A math teacher at Manchester Valley High School in Carroll County died Monday in a car accident that also involved a private school bus.
Devin Michael Spence, 24, of Westminster, was killed in the crash when his 2001 Ford Focus collided with the bus, according to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
Five students and a driver were on the bus, which was transporting students to Delone Catholic High School in Pennsylvania. No one on the bus was injured.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred just before 7 a.m. on Sullivan Road near its intersection with Route 27, between Westminster and Manchester.
The Ford was heading north along Sullivan Road, entering a turn in the 1700 block, when it slid across the centerline, spun sideways and struck the oncoming school bus that was entering the turn southbound, the report said. Sheriff’s officials said icy road conditions are believed to have been a factor.
After hitting the bus, the Ford caught fire, according to the report, and crews from the Manchester and Westminster volunteer fire companies responded. Spence was declared dead at the scene.
Spence had taught at Manchester Valley High School since January 2012, according to the Sheriff’s Office. This morning the school sent an email to parents informing them of the accident and the teacher’s death, and asking that the school community “keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
The announcement said counselors were being made available to assist students and staff.
The Sheriff’s Office closed Sullivan Road for most of the morning, and said a reconstruction team was conducting an investigation of the accident. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Cpl. Glenn Day at 410-386-2900, or gday@ccg.carr.org.