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Maine Tragedies Spark Calls for Safer School Buses

12/22/2025

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Tragedy Sparks Legislation

In Maine, two school-bus tragedies claimed Brayden Callahan, a 12-year-old, in Rockland, and Simon Gonzalez, a 5-year-old, in Standish.
Lawmakers proposed a bill to require crossing arms on all school buses and to ensure their use during drop-offs.
Community vigils honored the boys and urged safer bus practices.
Jason Small, grandfather of Simon Gonzalez, urged action, saying, "Every kid deserves to go home."

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Maine Crash Report

Maine's crash report on the December 16 bus accident that killed five-year-old Simon Gonzalez provides limited new information, in clear weather.
The report says the bus driver was not distracted and appeared normal.
No drug or alcohol tests were conducted.
It notes a contributing circumstance related to the bus and a contributing action by the driver.
Gonzalez sustained a fatal head injury while the driver and another child were unharmed.

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Tragedy Sparks Legislation

In Maine, two school-bus tragedies claimed Brayden Callahan, a 12-year-old, in Rockland, and Simon Gonzalez, a 5-year-old, in Standish.
Lawmakers proposed a bill to require crossing arms on all school buses and to ensure their use during drop-offs.
Community vigils honored the boys and urged safer bus practices.
Jason Small, grandfather of Simon Gonzalez, urged action, saying, "Every kid deserves to go home."

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