Bus Driver Chris Bemis dies in fatal Darke County, Ohio crash

Bus Driver Chris Bemis dies in fatal Darke County, Ohio crash

Fatal Darke County, Ohio crash death of Chris Bemis – Obituary

Chris Bemis, a 63-year-old transport bus driver from St. Marys, Ohio, was identified as one of three people who lost their lives in a fiery multi-vehicle crash in Darke County, authorities confirmed.

The deadly collision occurred Friday morning around 7:25 a.m. at the intersection of State Route 49 and Pitsburgh-Laura Road. Deputies arriving at the scene found a transport bus, a van, and a passenger car involved in a severe crash, with the van and car fully engulfed in flames.

According to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, a van hauling snow-removal equipment was traveling north on State Route 49 when it crossed the center line and struck a Spirit EMS transport bus head-on. After the initial impact, the van collided with a third vehicle, causing both the van and the car to catch fire.

Two men who were inside the van were unable to escape and were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released by authorities.

Bemis, who was driving the transport bus, was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency crews. He was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Officials said two other passengers on the bus, a 12-year-old student and a 62-year-old aide from New Madison, were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The driver of the third vehicle, an 18-year-old woman from Arcanum, was treated for injuries at the scene.

The Darke County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.