Driver said he fell asleep before bus crash that killed Cornell graduate

The driver who operated a bus involved in a fatal accident Sunday night in northeastern Pennsylvania told authorities he fell asleep at the wheel.

A Cornell University graduate died, and several people sustained injuries from the crash.

Becca Blanco, 33, who graduated with a master's degree in business administration in 2017, died in the accident.

Blanco was living and working in New York City, but was originally from California.

"So many friends of Becca's are devastated by this loss," said Matt Wilhelm, who was a friend of Blanco. "Our time at Cornell didn't just advance our careers; we built community and friendships to last a lifetime. In the years I've known her, Becca traveled the world, aced a Nate Peck class, became a New Yorker — there should be so much more to her story."

Pennsylvania State Trooper Robert Urban said the crash is still under investigation. The driver was taken to a hospital for a blood test, as required by federal motor carrier regulations.

The bus crashed around 9 p.m. Sunday on Interstate 380 in Covington Township, Lackawanna County. The vehicle was traveling south when it left the road and crashed into a wooded area.

Tim Rowland, the Lackawanna County coroner, said there were 13 people on the bus, plus the driver. Several people on the bus sustained injuries.

News footage from Syracuse TV station WSYR shows the bus was operated by Big Red Bullet. 

Big Red Bullet operates buses that travel between Ithaca and New York City. Covington Township is southeast of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and about two hours from Ithaca.

U.S. Department of Transportation records show the company's drivers have been inspected once over the past two years and that there were no violations that would put the company out of service.

The records show the company had not been in any crashes over the past two years that were reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The company did not return phone calls or emails seeking comment. 

News video and photos showed the bus leaning to its right side along the tree line. Rescue workers used ladders to reach injured passengers.

One passenger was airlifted from the crash scene, Pennsylvania State Police said.

Multiple ambulances and a medical helicopter were dispatched to the scene. The crash closed both southbound lanes of the interstate.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Rebecca’s family and friends," Malina said. "Cornell University Police are in contact with area emergency responders, who report that other passengers on the private bus line also sustained injuries in the crash. We will be monitoring the situation closely, as our thoughts and prayers remain with all of those involved."

Support services are available to all members of the Cornell community. Students may consult with counselors from Cornell Health’s Counseling & Psychological Services  by calling 607-255-5155. Students may speak with a peer counselor by calling the Empathy, Assistance and Referral Service at 255-3277.

Employees may call the Faculty Staff Assistance Program  at 255-2673. An Ithaca-based Crisisline is available at 272-1616. For additional resources, visit caringcommunity.cornell.edu.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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