Investigators determine cause of Potter bus crash

The rollover bus crash that resulted in multiple injuries last Thursday northeast of Potter was caused by a driver's failure to stop at a stop sign.

A Ford Ranger pickup truck, driven by Robert Hilpert, 55 of Potter, was traveling west on County Road 40 and struck a Potter School District bus, driven by John Herboldsheimer, 73, also of Potter, that was traveling north on County Road 83. According to accident reports filed by the Cheyenne County Sheriff's office, Hilpert failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of these roads and collided with the bus, causing it to roll over one and one quarter times.

The accident occurred at around 4:30 p.m. There were seven students on the bus from 10 to 16 years of age Both vehicle drivers and all students on the bus were transported to local hospitals including Sidney Regional Medical Center and Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. Injuries sustained in the wreck included a broken pelvis, fractured ribs and severe head lacerations.

At least two of those injured were hospitalized at SRMC while two others were flown to Scottsbluff by helicopter. Others were released.

Hilpert reportedly suffered the most serious injuries.

He is a fixture at Potter-Dix, serving as the school's track coach. He also assists with KSID radio high school sports coverage.

Fire Department and ambulance personnel responded from Dalton, Gurley, Sidney and Potter. Emergency Management was also on scene.