Bus company under scrutiny after 2 residents killed in recent crashes

Bucks County Bus company under scrutiny after 2 residents killed in recent crashes Ronald James Davenport and Katherine Semisch were killed in recent crashes that happened in the drop off areas of public institutions in Doylestown. By Emily Rose Grassi • Published November 9, 2026 • Updated on November 10, 2026 at 8:23 am Two crashes are under investigation after a Bucks County Transport bus hit and killed two residents in recent months, according to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office. "They are joined by tragedy because we lost both of them far too soon," District Attorney Joe Khan said. Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10. WATCH HERE The crashes happened in the drop-off areas of a senior living apartment building and a public library, officials said. The bus company is now under investigation by the DA's Office. 83-year-old man hit, dragged by bus in parking lot The first crash happened on Aug. 12, 2026, outside of Grundy Hall on Almshouse Road in Doylestown when Ronald James Davenport, 83, was crossing the parking lot around 8:45 p.m. As Davenport was walking, a Bucks County Transport bus driven by 69-year-old Blair Vanacore hit him to the ground. Local Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. weather forecast 9 hours ago Bright and calmer wind for Wednesday North Philadelphia 3 hours ago Dozens of shell casings marked for shooting under investigation in North Philly According to officials, two of the bus' tires rolled over Davenport and he became stuck under the vehicle as it dragged him for several feet. Vanacore brought the bus to a stop, got out and spoke with Davenport before calling 911. When Vanacore called 911, he did not mention that someone was hit by a bus but instead told the dispatcher that someone had fallen in the parking lot, according to District Attorney Joe Kahn. Vanacore then collected Davenport's belongings and laid them closer to him before he drove off. Once first responders got to the scene, they took him to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigators at the scene contacted Vanacore that same night and persuaded him to return to the parking lot where they were able to speak with him and take a blood sample. Vanacore told investigators that he left the scene because he was afraid he would get into trouble with Bucks County Transport for not returning the bus to the depot by a certain time that night, investigators said. Vanacore was charged with careless driving, failing to give aid and other related charges. He is expected to turn himself into police on Tuesday, Nov. 10. He has been placed on leave at Bucks County Transport as the investigation continues. Davenport is described as a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, four children and their families. NBC10 Philadelphia NBC10 Philadelphia 67-year-old retired teacher killed outside library The second crash under investigation by the District Attorney's Office happened on Nov. 2 when a Bucks County Transport bus hit and killed Katherine “Kitty” Semisch , 67. A report from the county coroner's office confirms Semisch was struck and killed in the parking lot of the Bucks County Free Library on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 2. Following the crash, Semisch was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead at 3:51 p.m. District Attorney Joe Kahn said that his office doesn't have an update regarding this crash as of Monday but they are pursuing all leads. Semisch was featured on the new PBS docuseries as a voice calling for common ground amid ongoing political differences in the CB West school district. Bucks County Transport under investigation after deadly crashes According to Bucks County District Attorney Joe Kahn, both of these deadly crashes happened outside in the drop off areas of popular public institutions. In both cases, each person was run over by a bus connected to the Bucks County Transport which provides shared ride services for county residents. Whenever someone is hit by a vehicle in Bucks County, the DA's Office deploys its crash team who are looking into both of these instances. Officials are looking into what was going on at the company at the time of the crashes including their policies and if anything needs to be changed. NBC10 reached out to Bucks County Transport about the investigation and responded with the following statement: “The Bucks County Transport takes these allegations very seriously. We have and will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities. Out of respect for the legal process, we will have no further comment," Bucks County Transport CEO James Raymond. This article tagged under: Bucks County Pennsylvania