School Bus Strikes Pedestrian in St. Cloud
A 27-year-old woman was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a collision involving a school bus.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Accidents
A District 742 school bus operated by Palmer Bus Service struck a pedestrian at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 5th Street South on Tuesday. The 27-year-old female victim required transport to St. Cloud Hospital.
Why it matters
The crash highlights the ongoing challenges of pedestrian safety at busy intersections during morning commute hours. Authorities are investigating the circumstances to understand why the driver failed to see the individual in the crosswalk.
The Minnesota State Patrol is actively assisting local authorities with crash reconstruction at the scene. No specific charges against the driver have been announced as the investigation into the morning incident continues.
The players
David Chirhart
He is an 86-year-old resident of Sartell who was operating the school bus during the incident.
Palmer Bus Service
This company operates the school bus fleet for the local school district.
Minnesota State Patrol
This agency is providing specialized support for the ongoing crash reconstruction efforts.
The details
The collision occurred around 7:00 a.m. when the bus, traveling northbound, struck the woman as she crossed the street in a designated crosswalk. While the students and the driver were unharmed, the victim sustained life-threatening injuries.
Timeline
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
7:00 a.m. on Tuesday
Legal Context
This crash follows established patterns of pedestrian vulnerability at urban intersections identified in local traffic safety audits. Investigators are reviewing current traffic signals and crosswalk visibility standards to determine if systemic changes are required.
Residents should expect ongoing police presence and potential traffic delays near the intersection of 5th Avenue and 5th Street South during the investigation. Local authorities may issue new crossing safety advisories following the completion of the crash report.
The takeaway
Pedestrians are encouraged to remain hyper-vigilant in busy intersections, especially during high-traffic morning hours. Drivers should maintain strict focus on crosswalks to prevent future incidents in high-pedestrian areas.
Further reading
For additional updates on local road safety, see Saint Cloud accidents.
