Driver of Semi that Struck New Hampton School Bus Still Unknown

Authorities have not been able to locate or identify the driver of a semi that nearly collided head-on with a north Iowa school bus last month.

Chickasaw County Sheriff Ryan Shawver says the incident occurred about 8 am Wednesday, January 24, on U.S. Highway 63, just north of New Hampton. A New Hampton Community School District school bus, with 15 or so students on board, was southbound when it was clipped by a northbound semi that had entered the southbound lane.  

Contact was made between the semi and school bus causing damage to the mirror and window on the left side of the bus.  The semi did not stop and continued northbound.

No students nor the bus driver were injured. 

Sheriff Ryan Shawver says they have not yet identified the truck driver, but unfortunately, the likelihood of that appears extremely low and they don’t have any leads at this time. He adds that foggy conditions that morning may have played a role in the mishap, but without talking with the driver, it’s just speculation at this juncture.

If the truck driver is located and identified, Shawver says he or she could be charged with failure to maintain control and leaving the scene of an accident.