TECUMSEH, Mich. — One person was killed after being struck by a Tecumseh Public Schools bus on Tuesday morning.
The Lenawee County Sheriff's Office said that just before 7 a.m., 59-year-old Glenn Dubay from Clinton Township was standing in the middle of Allen Road between Macon Highway and Billmyer Highway when he was struck by the bus.
Law enforcement also said that it was dark at the time of the crash and that the pedestrian was wearing all dark clothing. They also said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash.
Susan Straits has lived on Allen Road for four years. She said her neighborhood is normally peaceful and the nights are dark without the city lights. But, she woke up to a different scene Tuesday morning.
"My husband saw the school bus was parked in the road, so he went out and then I believe he said the driver was out of the bus and he asked him if everything was okay and the driver said 'no, I hit a pedestrian,'" Straits said.
No students, nor the bus driver, were injured in the incident. The eight students on the bus were transferred to another bus and taken to school.
The Lenawee County Accident Investigation team was called to the scene and the crash remains under investigation. The victim services unit of the sheriff's office was also on scene to assist the family of the man killed in the crash.
TPS spokesperson Vic Pratt provided the following statement to WTOL 11:
"Tecumseh Public Schools wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Clinton Township man who tragically lost his life in a pedestrian accident involving one of our school buses this morning on Allen Road, near Billmyer Highway.
We are grateful to report that all students on the bus and our dedicated bus driver emerged unharmed from this unfortunate incident. We appreciate our bus driver’s exceptional professionalism and the remarkable composure and mutual support our students showed during this challenging time, highlighting their strength and character.
Our school district is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation with the local authorities. As the investigation continues, further developments and updates will come from law enforcement.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with the deceased's family during this difficult time."
Lenawee County Sheriff Troy Bevier also told WTOL 11 it's important to make sure you can be seen as a pedestrian in the dark.
"You definitely want to wear something reflective or something that lights up. I've seen that before, but to be out walking with dark clothing on is very dangerous," Bevier said.
In a letter from TPS to families, the district stated: "First and foremost, we want to assure you that all students on the bus and the driver are safe, and there are no reported injuries among them. Our immediate concern is for the well-being of the pedestrian, and we are currently awaiting more information from the local authorities. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and emergency responders to understand the circumstances of the incident."
The school district also said that counselors will be available to support students who may have been affected by the incident.
Editor's note: The above story was updated to reflect the victim in the incident being identified.