Driver who died after colliding with school bus near Graham identified
Jun 12, 2026, 3:08 PM | Updated: 3:13 pm
The scene after a school bus and car crashed near Graham. (Photo courtesy of Central Pierce Fire and Rescue)
(Photo courtesy of Central Pierce Fire and Rescue)
A driver who collided with a school bus full of students on SR 161 near Graham on Thursday has been identified.
Manfred Bahle, 79, was killed when his car collided with an Eatonville School District bus, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
Bahle was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Central Pierce Fire and Rescue.
There were 36 students on the bus at the time of the crash, authorities stated. One student, a 14-year-old, was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. All other students were evaluated at the scene.
Both directions of SR 161 at milepost 18 near Eustis Hunt Road were closed, WSP Trooper Kameron Watts reported on X just after 4:30 p.m. The road was cleared around 10:45 p.m.
SB SR-161 / Eustis Hunt Rd. (MP 18)
Both directions are blocked due to a 1 car-school bus collision. Not hearing reports of any injured children but the driver of the involved car is in critical condition.
Please stay clear of the area as this will cause extensive delays.
— Trooper Kameron Watts (@wspd1pio) June 11, 2026
Troopers are still investigating what led up to the crash.
This story was originally published on June 11, 2026. It has been updated and republished since then.
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