October 7, 2025

Construction Worker Dies After Being Struck by School Bus

here-intlog
October 7, 2025
7:15 am
Virginia Beach

News Summary

A tragic accident in Kokomo, Indiana, resulted in the death of a 31-year-old construction worker, Aaron Esparza, when he was struck by a school bus. The incident occurred during his traffic management duties at a construction zone. Fortunately, no children on the bus were injured, but authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The Northwestern School Corporation expressed condolences and is providing support for affected students and staff.

Kokomo, Indiana – Construction Worker Killed After Being Struck by School Bus

A tragic accident in Kokomo, Indiana, resulted in the death of a 31-year-old construction worker when he was hit by a school bus near the intersection of State Road 22 and County Road 400 East.

Details of the Incident

On October 6, 2023, around 3:30 p.m., Aaron Esparza, a construction worker from Logansport, was directing traffic at a construction zone situated east of Kokomo. While managing traffic at the intersection, Esparza was struck by a passing vehicle, leading to fatal injuries that caused his death at the scene.

The vehicle involved in the accident was a school bus, driven by Tara D. Lopez, a 35-year-old woman from Kokomo. Lopez was traveling northbound on County Road 400 East and was crossing State Road 22 at the time of the incident. As she crossed the intersection, her bus was struck on the driver’s side by a gray 2008 Dodge Ram truck.

Details of the Collision

The truck was driven by Rolland Brent Mcquiston, a 72-year-old man from Windfall, Indiana. He was traveling eastbound on State Road 22 when the collision with Lopez’s bus occurred. The impact caused the bus to hit Esparza, resulting in his immediate death, as confirmed by the Howard County Coroner’s Office.

The school bus was carrying eight children from the Northwestern School Corporation at the time of the crash. Fortunately, none of the children sustained injuries. The bus driver, Lopez, received treatment at the scene for minor injuries.

Investigation and Official Reports

Authorities from the Indiana State Police stated that neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to have contributed to the crash. Law enforcement officials and emergency responders are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine exact causes and accountability.

Reactions and School District Response

The Northwestern School Corporation expressed profound sadness over the event, extending condolences to Esparza’s family. The district also announced that counseling services would be made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy to help them cope with the aftermath.

Additional Notes

The incident remains under investigation, with authorities working to gather further details. The school district is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies to facilitate the ongoing investigation into this tragic event.

This case highlights the importance of safety precautions in construction zones and traffic intersections, especially when workers are present and active. The community continues to mourn the loss of Esparza, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and caution to prevent similar tragedies in the future.