In the early, quiet hours of Thursday morning, what should have been a routine safety drill at Christina School District’s Gauger‑Cobbs Middle School changed in an instant to tragedy. Forty-eight students were aboard two yellow school buses parked in the drop-off lane at approximately 7 a.m. when a second bus suddenly drifted forward and struck 54-year-old Wanda Montalvo of Wilmington.
Montalvo, the driver of the bus conducting the drill, was behind her vehicle preparing to lead an emergency exit exercise when the rear bus — described as an IC 300 model — moved forward for reasons still under investigation by the Delaware State Police. She was found unresponsive on the ground and went into cardiac arrest before being rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The driver of the second bus, a 53-year-old woman from New Castle, was not injured. For the students onboard, those present escaped serious harm — there were a few minor injuries reported by the school district, though none required hospitalization.
Those who knew Montalvo described her as someone who didn’t just come to work, but lived the work. Family members remember her as a mother and grandmother first—and as someone who always had the kids’ best interests at heart as she drove them each day. Her son, Roberto Pagan, recalled how his mom greeted students at the bus stop with a smile, how they called her “Mrs. Wanda,” and how her love for her job was evident every time she picked up the kids.
The school district issued a heartfelt message: “It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt compassion that we share the news of a tragic accident that took place this morning … Our thoughts and prayers are with the driver and their family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking event.” Additionally, they confirmed support services are available to staff and students who may be struggling in the aftermath.
Meanwhile, the Delaware State Police’s Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues its investigation into the circumstances of the crash. They are seeking any witnesses or additional information as they attempt to determine why the rear bus moved forward during the drill.
For the students, drivers, family of Montalvo and the wider school community, Thursday doesn’t just mark the end of a morning — it marks the beginning of questions, grief, and a search for answers. In the middle of this bustling parking lot, where yellow school buses and children should mean safety and routine, a life was taken, a community shaken—and an urgent reminder made of how fragile familiar rituals can be.
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