Benton, NY (October 30, 2025) – A school bus carrying children overturned Wednesday morning following a collision with an unmarked Seneca County Sheriff’s Office vehicle in the town of Benton, according to the Yates County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the crash occurred around 7:28 a.m. on 29th October, 2025, at the intersection of Pre-Emption Road and State Route 54, just outside the village of Penn Yan. The unmarked Chevrolet Impala, driven by Deputy Mateo A. Andrew, 22, of Seneca Falls, reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign, colliding with a Penn Yan Central School District bus.
The impact caused the school bus, driven by 62-year-old David R. Mulberger of Penn Yan, to tip over onto its passenger side. The front of the police vehicle was also heavily damaged. Three children were aboard the bus at the time, along with the driver.
Emergency responders from Penn Yan Fire Department, Yates County EMS, and several volunteer fire companies arrived promptly to provide care. The school district confirmed that EMS evaluated all occupants at the scene and that medical care was administered immediately.
Deputy Andrew, who was traveling with another officer, Deputy Colton Rice, 21, of Clyde, was cited for failure to stop at a stop sign. Both deputies were en route to the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy in Horseheads for training when the collision occurred.
The Yates County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the cause of the crash and will release further details once the review is complete.
Liability in School Bus Accidents Involving Law Enforcement Vehicles
Collisions involving law enforcement vehicles and school buses raise complex legal questions surrounding liability and negligence. Even when a police vehicle is on duty, officers must follow traffic laws unless operating under specific emergency conditions. When negligence, such as failing to stop at a stop sign, causes injuries, victims may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim or civil action against the responsible agency.
Families affected by such incidents can seek compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other damages. Consulting an experienced New York school bus accident attorney can ensure that investigations are thorough and accountability is established.
How Can We Help
At Stanley Law, our team of New York personal injury attorneys advocates for victims of motor vehicle and public transportation accidents. If you or your child were injured in a school bus collision, we can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. Call us at 888-997-3889 for a free consultation to discuss your case and next steps.
