Bus Driver Charged In Fatal Accident

A schoolbus driver, 74-year old Westal John Maine of Pequot Lakes, has been charged with Careless Driving and a Moving Bus After Children Unloaded charge. The accident resulted in the death of a 6-year old Evan Lindquist of Pine River on March 22. The complaint alleges that Maine stopped the bus to let the child off and then was distracted by other children on the bus. He failed to see the child standing in front of the bus when he resumed his route. The Cass County Attorney, Christopher Strandlie said that, under the law, the driving conduct at issue does not support felony or gross misdemeanor charges. Drugs or alcohol were not a factor in the accident. A June 7th court date has been set.