Bucks County DA charges bus driver in fatal pedestrian crash

Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan announced criminal charges against Blair Vanacore on Monday afternoon. Vanacore is accused of driving a Bucks County Transport bus into 83-year-old Ronald Davenport on August 12.

Davenport was crossing the parking lot outside Grundy Hall when the collision occurred. Officials stated the bus struck him, ran over him with the driver’s side and rear tires, and dragged him under the vehicle for several feet. Davenport was transported to Abington Hospital, where he died.

Khan said Vanacore left the scene without providing aid. The driver called 911 to report a fall in the parking lot rather than a collision. Vanacore gathered Davenport’s belongings, placed them next to the body, and returned the bus to the depot. Police contacted him using the phone number he had used to call 911.

Vanacore told investigators he thought he had hit a shoe. He said he left to avoid trouble with his employer for returning the bus late. Blood tests showed no alcohol or drugs in his system. He faces felony and summary charges, including accidents involving death, careless driving, and failing to give aid or information.

Khan described Davenport as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived at Grundy Hall. He had worked in sales before retiring. The district attorney also noted a second fatal incident involving a Bucks County Transport bus.

Kitty Semisch, a retired teacher, was killed outside the Bucks County Free Library on November 2. An investigation into that case is ongoing. Khan announced a county investigation into the policies and practices of Bucks County Transport regarding both deaths.

Bucks County Transport is a nonprofit organization that provides shuttle and DART services for seniors and people with disabilities. Officials did not state how long Vanacore had worked for the company. The district attorney said updates on the Semisch investigation will be shared when available.