MANHATTAN, IL — A 24-year-old Manhattan woman has been identified as the driver killed in a head-on crash involving a school bus Thursday morning in Manhattan, the Will County Coroner’s Office said Friday.

At approximately 8:25 a.m., the Manhattan Fire Protection District responded to a traffic crash involving a school bus transporting Manhattan School District 114 students and a passenger vehicle near the intersection of Manhattan-Monee Road and Kankakee Street. Crews at the scene found a school bus carrying 10 students and one driver. All students were evaluated at the scene; no major injuries were reported.

The driver of the passenger vehicle, identified as Makenna M. Maurisak, was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:35 a.m, the Will County Coroner’s Office confirmed Friday.

Due to the severity of the accident, all children and the bus driver were taken to area hospitals for evaluation for precautionary measures. Several agencies responded and remained at the scene of the crash, including Manhattan Fire, Illinois State Police and Manhattan Police. The crash is under investigation by the Illinois State Police; no further information has been released.

Manhattan Mayor Mike Adrieansen late Thursday issued a statement to the community.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the driver who lost their life this morning,” Adrieansen said. “Any loss of life on our roads is unacceptable. These recent fatal crashes have occurred on roads maintained by the State of Illinois through IDOT, and the Village has consistently pressed the state to address residents’ safety concerns, including meeting directly with state officials and IDOT on November 25, 2025. Following that meeting, traffic safety changes were implemented on state-maintained roads, and we will continue advocating for additional improvements to help prevent future tragedies.”

Manhattan District 114 Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne said the district will provide support to students and staff impacted.

“Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this tragic incident,” said Superintendent Dr. Damien
Aherne Thursday. “We are grateful for the swift response of our first responders and our school staff,
whose priority was ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We will continue to
provide support to our students and their families during this difficult time.”