Girl riding bike killed in collision with Brookings School bus

A 16-year-old Brookings girl is killed in downtown Brookings after the bicycle she was riding was struck by a Brookings School Bus.

It happened at about 10:30 Friday morning on Main Avenue at 4th Street.

Brookings Police Chief Michael Drake says the school bus, operated by 46-year-old Tami J. Varpness of Brookings was heading East on 4th, returning to the bus garage. The bus stopped at the intersection with Main Ave.

The female was riding the bike north on the west sidewalk of Main. Both the bus and bike entered the intersection and the front passenger side of the bus struck the bicycle.

The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by the County Coroner.

Chief Drake says the investigation into the accident continues.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol also responded to the accident.

April 12, 2024