From PhillyVoice · · 1m 10s
Doylestown DART bus driver charged in hit-and-run crash
Bucks County bus driver faces charges after fatal hit-and-run involving two victims.
In brief
Bucks County bus driver faces charges after fatal hit-and-run involving two victims. Doylestown DART bus driver Blair Vanacore, 69, charged with causing death in hit-and-run crash that killed Ronald Davenport, 83, on Aug. 12. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
First hit-and-run crash
Blair Vanacore, 69, allegedly struck Ronald Davenport, 83, outside an apartment complex on Aug. 12.
“Blair Vanacore, 69, of Jamison, allegedly was driving the Doylestown DART bus that fatally struck Ronald Davenport, 83, on Aug. 12”
Charges filed
Vanacore charged with accidents involving death, not rendering aid and careless driving.
“He has been charged with accidents involving death, not rendering aid and careless driving, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said Monday”
Second crash under investigation
Another fatal hit-and-run involving a DART bus remains under investigation.
“The DA's office also said it has expanded its investigation of the second fatal hit-and-run crash, which occurred Nov. 2 and killed retired teacher Katherine Semisch, 67”
Crash details
Driver's side tire hit Davenport, jolting bus upward before rear tire ran over him.
“Investigators said a driver's side tire hit Davenport, jolting the bus upward. It then came to a stop for a few seconds before continuing forward and running over Davenport with a rear tire”
Davenport's death
Davenport dragged 25 to 35 feet before being dislodged and pronounced dead.
“Davenport was dragged for several feet before he became dislodged, and the bus came to a stop 25 to 35 feet away”
Driver's actions
Vanacore exited vehicle, spoke to Davenport before calling 911 but left without aid.
“Vanacore allegedly exited the vehicle, spoke to Davenport before calling 911, and gathered Davenport's belongings for him”
911 call details
Driver claimed someone fell in parking lot but did not mention striking anyone.
“Investigators said Vanacore allegedly told dispatchers that "someone fell in the parking lot" and did not mention that he had struck someone”
Company response
Bucks County Transport placed Vanacore on leave and lacks driver licensing requirements.
“A spokesperson for the DA's office said Vanacore has been placed on leave by the Bucks County Transport, which operates the DART buses. The DA's office added that the company does not require drivers to have a commercial license or prior driving experience”
Second victim
Retired teacher Katherine Semisch, 67, killed in Nov. 2 crash.
“The transport company has come under fire after the Nov. 2 crash killed semish, who was crossing a circle in front of Doylestown Library when she was fatally struck by a DART bus”
The main idea
Doylestown DART bus driver Blair Vanacore, 69, charged with causing death in hit-and-run crash that killed Ronald Davenport, 83, on Aug. 12.
