Broward school bus driver struck and killed by fellow driver at Pompano Beach transportation terminal

Broward County, Florida – A Broward County Public Schools bus driver died after being struck by another school bus driver at a transportation terminal in Pompano Beach, officials said.

The crash happened early Wednesday morning, Sept. 9, at the North Area Transportation Terminal on Northwest 18th Street. According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the incident was reported at about 5:30 a.m. as buses were moving through the depot.

Investigators said one bus driver was leaving the gas pumps when he made a U-turn in his school bus. He was attempting to drive through the parking lot when another driver entered the path of the moving bus.

The second driver was identified as 69-year-old Alfred Desmandes, a Broward County Public Schools bus driver. He was walking across the parking lot when he was struck, according to the sheriff’s office.

Desmandes suffered life-threatening injuries in the collision. Paramedics took him to Broward Health North Medical Center for treatment, but he died at the hospital the following day.

Investigators said the driver who was operating the bus told them he did not see Desmandes walking across the parking lot. The driver said the parking lot lights were not illuminated at the time of the crash.

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, investigators have determined that neither excessive speed nor impairment contributed to the crash. No indication of those factors was found as part of the investigation so far.

Read also: Coral Springs honors 9/11 victims as fire captain shares powerful memories from the day of attacks

News of Desmandes’ death has deeply affected his family and coworkers. His cousin, Lundy Accime, said the family has been struggling with the loss.

“The family’s upset, very upset, very upset,” said Lundy Accime, Desmandes’ cousin.

Accime also said the family wants the other driver to be held responsible as investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened.

“I would like for the other driver to be held accountable at this point,” Accime said.

The driver involved in the crash will not continue driving buses while the investigation is underway. Broward County Public Schools officials said he will be reassigned from driving duties.

The school district also said it is working with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and providing support to employees affected by the death.

Superintendent Howard Hepburn addressed the incident in a statement, describing the crash as a devastating event for the school district and the people who knew Desmandes.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred at the North Area Transportation Terminal on Wednesday, September 9,” Superintendent Howard Hepburn said in a statement. “District staff is cooperating fully with the Broward Sheriff’s Office on its investigation and crisis counselors are providing support to those grieving the loss of a beloved coworker. Our thoughts are with the individuals, families and loved ones affected by this devastating tragedy.”

The crash occurred before the start of the school day, at a location where bus drivers routinely prepare vehicles for routes. The early-morning timing and conditions inside the terminal are part of the circumstances investigators are examining.

Read also: Governor Ron DeSantis announces ten new judicial appointments across Florida courts

For Desmandes’ family and colleagues, however, the investigation comes as they deal with the sudden loss of a longtime coworker and loved one.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office has not announced that excessive speed or impairment played a role in the collision. The investigation remains active as authorities work to establish the full sequence of events that led to Desmandes being struck.

Meanwhile, the school district is continuing to provide support to employees affected by the tragedy while the driver involved remains off driving duties.