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FORKS, N.D. – The North Dakota Highway Patrol has completed the investigation of a fatal school bus crash by Larimore in early January.

On January 5 at 3:35 p.m., a Larimore Public School bus was traveling north on 36th Street Northeast, half a mile east of Larimore. The driver was dropping students off at their homes. The school bus approached a railroad crossing and came to an abrupt stop with its front end over the railroad tracks.

The school bus was struck by a westbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe locomotive near the front passenger side entrance door, causing severe front-end damage. Two occupants, the bus driver, 62-year-old Max Danner, and a passenger, 17-year-old Cassidy Sandstrom, were ejected and sustained fatal injuries. Ms. Sandstrom was seated in the rear passenger side seat of the bus prior to impact. 

Fourteen occupants were on the bus at the time of the crash, 10 of which were transported to Altru Hospital by ambulance for treatment.  The train’s two occupants were not injured.

The BNSF train, consisting of 47 intermodal rail cars, was traveling 43 mph at the time of the crash. There is a speed limit of 60 mph on that section of rail.  The train’s whistle was blown approximately 1,300 feet before reaching the intersection and several times as it approached the intersection. The school bus came to a final stop with its front end over the westbound railroad tracks.  The bus was stopped on the tracks for 1.5 to 2 seconds prior to being struck by the train.  There were no overhead warning lights displayed on the bus and the front service door was closed. The railroad crossing was marked with yellow warning signs before the intersection and crossbuck signs with stop signs at the intersection.

An autopsy was performed on Mr. Danner by the Grand Forks County Medical Examiner’s Office. “Mr. Danner died of injuries sustained in the crash”, stated Dr. Mark Koponen, deputy coroner.  “Mr. Danner did have a significant heart condition, but it did not play a role in the crash. There was no evidence that a medical event was occurring at the time of the crash.”  

The Engine Control Module (ECM) from the school bus was retrieved and sent to the Wisconsin State Patrol for a download analysis. The download of the ECM showed no mechanical deficiencies. A post-crash inspection of the school bus was also conducted, showing no mechanical deficiencies. The equipment was in very good condition, working properly, and well-maintained.

A search warrant obtained by the NDHP allowed the viewing of footage recorded at the front of the BNSF locomotive. The footage showed the bus approaching the railroad tracks. There was significant braking just before the tracks, bringing the school bus to a complete stop with the front end of the school bus over the tracks.  The driver appeared to be in an upright position and there was no movement observed inside the front end of the school bus.

Interviews with all school bus occupants were completed and support the investigation results.

Prior to the collision, witnesses stated the bus was driving normally through the neighborhood.  The school bus was met by a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction south of the crash location.  Mr. Danner had exchanged waves with the passing motorist.

The investigation into this case is complete, and there are no anticipated or pending criminal charges.