Ex-bus driver charged in fatal ’19 collision with motorcyclist

A former bus driver for the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District was charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation and failing to yield at an intersection in the 2019 death of a 20-year-old motorcyclist in Westford, according to the Middlesex DA’s Office.

Nancy Durost, 73, of Westford, was driving a school bus for the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District filled with the district’s field hockey team on Sept. 19, 2019, when she allegedly struck the motorcyclist, 20-year-old Steven Welch.

According to the DA’s office, Durost was driving near Westford’s Blanchard Middle School and was attempting to turn left into the school’s driveway when she struck the motorcyclist. Welch was pronounced dead at the scene. No one on the bus was injured.

According to the Lowell Sun, Welch was a 2018 graduate of Westford Academy.

At the time of the crash, he was enrolled in a welding class to further his skills in the welding industry. He was employed at Welch Welding & Truck Equipment Inc. in Chelmsford, a family business.

Durost will be arraigned on Oct. 15 in Ayer District Court.