The NTSB’s preliminary report released Jan. 9 details how a 5-year-old Maine student, later identified as Simon Gonzalez, became trapped when a school bus passenger door closed on his arm on Dec. 16, 2025. The bus moved, dragging the child about 280 feet before he fell onto the roadway and was fatally struck by the vehicle. The bus driver and a student on board were uninjured, and authorities say the driver has not been charged. NTSB and local investigators continue to examine the incident and will issue safety recommendations.
NTSB: 5-Year-Old’s Arm Was Caught in Closing Bus Doors; Child Dragged and Fatally Struck in Maine
GoFundMeSimon Gonzalez
Federal investigators have released an initial account of a fatal school-bus incident that killed a 5-year-old student in Standish, Maine. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published its preliminary findings on Jan. 9, 2026, describing how the child became trapped in the bus’s passenger doors and was subsequently dragged along the roadway.
What the NTSB Report Says
The NTSB reports that on Dec. 16, 2025, at about 8:00 a.m. local time, a school bus operating for Maine School Administrative District #6 stopped in the southbound lane of Route 35 to load students. A 7-year-old student was boarding the bus while the 5-year-old approached from the right rear.
“The student extended his left arm into the bus, between the closing doors, and his arm became pinned between the doors as they closed,” the NTSB wrote. The bus then proceeded south, dragging the child for approximately 280 feet before he was dislodged, fell onto the roadway and was run over by the bus. The child suffered fatal injuries.
Victim, Local Response and School Officials
Local media and the family identified the child as Simon Gonzalez. Jason Small, Simon’s grandfather, told reporters:
“Simon loved life. He loved to just be on the go. Our family has been devastated by this loss. ... He was and always will be extremely loved and missed by his whole family and everyone that knew him.”
National Transportation Safety BoardThis photo from the initial NTSB showed an overhead view of Route 35, showing the bus stop and the final positions of rest of the school bus and student
The incident occurred near Edna Libby Elementary School. Superintendent Clay Gleason of Maine School Administrative District #6 issued a message to the school community expressing sorrow over the fatal accident.
Agency and Law Enforcement Actions
The NTSB emphasized that this is an initial report and that investigators are continuing to examine all aspects of the crash to determine a probable cause and develop safety recommendations. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, which confirmed the bus belonged to the Bonny Eagle School District and was serving MSAD #6 at the time, said its investigation is ongoing and that the driver has not been charged.
Next Steps
Investigators typically follow preliminary reports with a full inquiry that may include interviews, data review, mechanical inspections and recommendations to prevent similar tragedies. The NTSB’s final determination will aim to clarify how the doors closed on the child and why the bus moved with a child trapped in the doorway.
Our coverage will be updated as officials release further information.
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