Farmington, CT (May 19, 2026) – A motorcyclist died and a 7-year-old child was hurt after a pickup truck driver — later charged with DUI — rear-ended a school bus and motorcycle at the intersection of Meadow Road and Plainville Avenue in Farmington, Connecticut. The crash took place around 4 p.m. on Monday, May 18.
When emergency units arrived, they found three vehicles at the scene. The motorcycle operator received immediate medical care and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where they later died from their injuries. Officials have not yet released the rider’s identity.
The school bus was carrying a driver and one child at the time of the crash. The bus driver was uninjured. The 7-year-old passenger was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
According to a preliminary investigation, all three vehicles were traveling west on Meadow Road when they approached the intersection with Plainville Avenue. The pickup truck struck the bus and motorcycle from behind. The truck’s driver, identified as Gary Berube, was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence.
The crash remains under investigation, and more details will be released as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to the family of the motorcyclist who lost their life.
What Happens When a DUI Driver Is Involved in a Fatal Crash in Connecticut?
When a driver is arrested on DUI charges following a fatal crash, the initial charge is often just the beginning of a longer legal process. In Connecticut, a DUI that results in death can lead to far more serious charges, including felony manslaughter, depending on what investigators determine about the driver’s conduct at the time.
Law enforcement typically reviews toxicology reports, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene to build a fuller picture. These findings can shape whether additional charges are filed in the weeks or months that follow. Preliminary charges made at the scene are often revised as the investigation progresses.
Crashes involving a school bus add another layer of scrutiny, particularly when a child is among those hurt. Connecticut has strict regulations around the safety of students in transit, and any incident involving a school bus is subject to review by multiple agencies.
