Salem-Keizer School Bus Crash Leaves SUV Driver Dead, Students Injured

A crash involving a Salem-Keizer Public Schools bus and an SUV on Highway 22 near Salem, Oregon, on Monday, February 23, 2026, resulted in the death of the SUV driver and minor injuries to the bus driver and one student. The incident occurred around 9:51 a.m. At the Highway 22 and Highway 51 interchange, according to Oregon State Police.

Details of the Crash

The school bus, traveling west on Highway 22, was attempting a left turn onto southbound Highway 51 when it entered the path of an eastbound SUV, causing a head-on collision. The driver of the SUV, identified as 68-year-old Luke Richard Brittan of Independence, Oregon, died at the scene KGW, Statesman Journal.

Passengers and Injuries

Approximately 30 high school students and two adults were on the bus at the time of the crash, returning from a field trip to Western Oregon University in Monmouth KPTV. Initially, Salem-Keizer Public Schools reported that 60 students were onboard, but later clarified the number to around 32 KPTV. The bus driver, 33-year-old Chandra Jean Milkovich-Howard, and one student sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital KGW.

Investigation and Citation

Oregon State Police cited Milkovich-Howard for an unsafe left turn as the primary cause of the crash OregonLive, Statesman Journal. The investigation is ongoing and will be forwarded to the district attorney upon completion.

School District Response

Salem-Keizer Public Schools is cooperating with the investigation and providing counseling support to staff and students who were on the bus. Aaron Harada, the director of community relations and communications for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, stated, “This is a terribly tragic event. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family of the driver who lost their life.” KGW.

Highway 22 was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation.