Bucks County Bus Driver Charged in Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Bucks County prosecutors say Vanacore, 69, struck Ronald Davenport with a shuttle bus in the parking area of Grundy Hall on August 12. Davenport, 83, lived at the retirement complex and later died at Abington Hospital. Vanacore faces a felony charge related to a fatal crash, along with charges including failing to provide information or aid and careless driving resulting in death.

District Attorney Joe Khan said the bus ran over Davenport with its front and rear driver-side tires and dragged him several feet. Vanacore allegedly got out and spoke briefly with Davenport, then called 911 to say someone had fallen. He collected Davenport’s belongings and left to return the bus to its depot, prosecutors said. Police contacted him and asked him to come back.

Khan said Vanacore told police he believed a shoe had gone beneath the bus and was afraid of workplace trouble if he returned it late. Tests found no alcohol or drugs in his system, officials said. Davenport was a retired sales worker who remained active with his family and church, Khan said.

The county is also investigating Bucks County Transport, which operated the bus, and its practices following the November 2 death of Kitty Semisch, 67. A bus operated by DART hit her near the Bucks County Free Library. The company said it was reviewing its safety procedures and would not comment further while the investigation continues.