March 29, 2024

Parents of Iowa teen killed in school bus fire sue district

OAKLAND (AP) — The parents of a 16-year-old girl who died in a school bus fire in western Iowa last year are suing the school district.

The Des Moines Register reports that Glen and Natalie Klindt accuse Riverside Community School District in the wrongful death lawsuit of negligent hiring, training and supervision of 74-year-old bus driver Donald Hendricks, who also died in the fire. The Klindts say the Dec. 12 death of their daughter, Megan Klindt, caused them severe emotional distress, and they're seeking an unspecified amount in damages.

The Klindts’ lawsuit also says they and Megan had complained about Hendricks’ driving before the fire. Hendricks used a walker and had back surgery scheduled the week of the fire.

Federal investigators have said the fire began in the engine compartment after Hendricks backed the bus into a ditch and became stuck.