Pickup truck driver dies in Marlborough school bus collision

Authorities reported that none of the children sustained severe injuries.

Route 12 in Marlborough experienced significant disruptions following a tragic accident on Friday morning, which resulted in the death of a pickup truck driver. At around 7:15 a.m., the vehicle, identified as driven by 74-year-old David Peloski from Swanzey, collided head-on with a school bus that was transporting students from Monadnock Regional Middle-High School.

The bus, which had 13 students on board, was responding to the morning schedule. Authorities reported that none of the children sustained severe injuries. Post-incident evaluations by emergency personnel confirmed the students' stable conditions, and they were subsequently transported to Cheshire Medical Center for assessments and treatment of minor injuries. Parents were instructed to pick up their children at the medical facility.

The bus driver inflicted injuries that were serious but not life-threatening, as noted in statements from officials. The superintendency of the Monadnock Regional School District expressed gratitude to first responders for their prompt actions during the emergency, which helped to ensure the students' safety.

In light of the severity of the crash, local firefighters declared a mass casualty incident, which led to a coordinated response involving ambulances from several nearby communities, including Walpole, Jaffrey, and Peterborough. Although initial reports of the injuries varied, the numbers indicated that student injuries were minor overall.

As investigators continue to look into the cause of the accident, law enforcement officials indicated that Route 12 would remain closed for an extended duration, advising drivers to seek alternative routes until the area was deemed safe for travel.

Officials from the Marlborough Police Department have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.