A quiet Monday morning in Polk County turned tragic when a 68-year-old man lost his life in a head-on crash involving a Salem-Keizer school bus. The collision happened around 9:51 a.m. on February 23, 2026, at the busy intersection of Highway 22 and Highway 51, according to the Oregon State Police.
Investigators said Luke Richard Brittan, 68, of Independence, was driving eastbound in a Honda Pilot when a westbound Salem-Keizer Thomas school bus attempted to turn left onto southbound Highway 51. During that turn, the bus entered the path of Brittan’s SUV. The two vehicles collided head-on.
Brittan was declared dead at the scene. Authorities have not released further personal details, but the loss has left a somber mark on the community.
The bus was operated by 33-year-old Chandra Jean Milkovich-Howard of Turner. She reportedly suffered minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital for evaluation. Officials said she was later treated for those injuries.
At the time of the crash, the bus was carrying two adults and 30 students. One student sustained a minor injury and was transported to a local hospital. No other serious injuries were reported among those on board, a detail many families were relieved to hear.
The crash forced a shutdown of the highway for about four hours as crews worked the scene. Law enforcement, emergency responders, and transportation officials carefully documented evidence and cleared debris before reopening the roadway.
State police identified an unsafe left turn as the primary cause of the crash. The bus driver was issued a citation. Authorities said the investigation is still ongoing and will be forwarded to the district attorney for review once completed.
The Oregon State Police were assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation. For many in Polk County, the day will be remembered not for the traffic delay, but for the life that was lost in a matter of seconds on a familiar stretch of highway.
