A motorcyclist died Monday afternoon in Farmington after a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck struck a motorcycle and a school bus from behind on Meadow Road near the Route 177 intersection, according to the Farmington Police Department. The driver of the Silverado, Gary Berube, 63, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
Farmington police responded to the crash around 4 p.m. Officers and emergency personnel immediately began lifesaving measures on the motorcyclist, who had sustained serious injuries, according to police. The motorcyclist was transported to an area hospital, where the operator was later pronounced dead. The operator had not been publicly identified as of Monday evening.
The preliminary investigation determined that the school bus, the motorcycle, and the Silverado were all traveling westbound on Meadow Road and approaching the intersection with Route 177 when the bus and motorcycle were struck from behind by the pickup truck, according to police.
The school bus was occupied by its driver and a 7-year-old student. The student was transported to an area hospital with what police described as minor injuries. The bus driver was not injured.
Berube is being held on a $500,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court in Torrington on June 1.
The North Central Municipal Accident Reconstruction Squad is assisting the department with the ongoing investigation. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about it to call the Farmington Police Department at 860.675.2400.
Meadow Road has been the subject of recurring town discussion this year over pedestrian and cyclist safety. The Town Council has set a May 26 discussion and a June 9 vote on a proposed sidewalk along the road's western stretch, between Westwoods Estates and the Canal Trail.
This coverage is supported by Farmington Storage, 155 Scott Swamp Road — the only storage facility in Connecticut with Museum air. 860.777.4001
— Jack Beckett, Staff Writer, The Farmington Mercury. Filed Monday evening. ☕
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