MARLBOROUGH, N.H. —
Route 12 in Marlborough was closed Friday morning following a fatal collision between a school bus and a pickup truck around 7:15 a.m.
New Hampshire State Police confirmed that the driver of the pickup truck, 74-year-old David Peloski of Swanzey, was killed in the incident. Officials reported that none of the 13 students on the bus sustained serious injuries.
Superintendent Jeremy Rathbun of the Monadnock Regional School District stated that families of the children have been notified. The students were evaluated at the scene and subsequently transported to Cheshire Medical Center for assessment of minor injuries.
The bus driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders declared a mass casualty incident due to the number of injuries. Ambulances from Walpole, Winchester, Peterborough, Jaffrey, and Golden Cross were dispatched to the scene.
Authorities said Peloski's truck appears to have veered into oncoming traffic, striking the bus head-on. A local witness, identified as Amanda, reported assisting at the scene and attempting to help Peloski but found he was unresponsive.
Lieutenant Sean Eaton of New Hampshire State Police noted the profound impact of the crash on the community, while Superintendent Rathbun expressed gratitude to first responders for their swift action.
Route 12 near Webb Depot Road will remain closed for several hours as the investigation continues. Drivers are advised to avoid the area.