NEWARK, Del. — A tragic accident outside Gauger Cobbs Middle School in Newark, Delaware, claimed the life of 54-year-old Wanda Montalvo of Wilmington on Thursday morning, according to Delaware State Police.
Authorities say the fatal incident occurred around 7 a.m. as Montalvo was preparing to conduct an emergency evacuation drill behind her school bus. During the drill, a second bus drifted forward for unknown reasons and struck her.
Emergency responders found Montalvo unresponsive on the ground and in cardiac arrest. Despite efforts to revive her, she was later pronounced dead at the hospital, officials confirmed.
The driver of the second bus, a 53-year-old woman from New Castle, was not injured. At the time of the accident, 48 students were on board the buses, which were marked Academia Antonia Alonso. The school district reported a few minor student injuries, none requiring hospitalization.
Family members identified Montalvo as a beloved mother and grandmother who took great pride in her work. Her son, Roberto Pagan, described her as deeply dedicated to the children she transported each day.
“She loved them kids,” Pagan said. “Every time I’d call her, she’d be at the bus stop picking up the kids, always smiling. She was a good mom, good grandmom, and loved her job.”
Video from Chopper 6 showed two school buses surrounded by police vehicles, with the rear emergency door of one bus visibly damaged.
The Christina School District issued a statement expressing condolences and reaffirming its commitment to supporting students and staff during this difficult time, stating, “Our thoughts are with the driver and their family. Keeping everyone safe and cared for is our top priority.”
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the fatal accident.