(Harlan, Ky.) – On January 8, 2016 at 7:06 a.m. Kentucky State Police, Post 10 Harlan received a call of a two vehicle collision involving a school bus on U.S.119 in the Blair community of Harlan County. Troopers from Post 10 responded to the collision.
Preliminary investigation indicates a 2007 black Honda Accord was traveling north on U.S. 119 when the vehicle crossed the center line striking a school bus head on that was traveling in the south bound direction of U.S.119.
The operator of the Honda Accord was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Harlan County Coroner. No other occupants were in the Honda Accord. A student, teacher’s aide, and the driver of the bus were transported to Harlan ARH hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
At this time U.S.119 is completely closed and will remain closed for approximately one hour. Names of the individuals will be released later today. KSP along with the Harlan County Coroner’s Office is still attempting to make contact with next of kin of the deceased.
Kentucky State Police Accident Reconstructionist along with troopers are still on the scene collecting information. Also assisting at the scene are Tri-City Rescued Squad, Life Care, Benham Police Dept., Lynch Police Dept., Cumberland Police Dept., and Harlan Sheriff’s Dept.
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UPDATE - Both lanes on U.S.119 are back open. KSP will continue to send updates as they come available.
SECOND UPDATE - The driver of the school bus, Eugene Stagnolia, 76, of Cumberland and the teacher’s aide, Wanda Tinsley, 54, of Lynch were treated and release for their injuries at the Harlan County ARH Hospital. The name of the student cannot be released; the student was also treated and released from the Harlan County ARH Hospital.
The female operating the Honda Accord, Bridgette Mallory, 32, of Lynch was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Harlan County Coroner.
Collision is still under investigation by Tpr. Kenny Sergent.
