Car-bus accident claims life: 1991

THOMAN, RIESENBECK

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 6/30/2025 at 22:40:05

VB Reg
1991

Car-bus accident claims life

An 89-year-old man from Cantril, who died Sunday morning when his car collided with a bus, would have been spared had he done one small task after leaving breakfast in Lebanon: Buckled up.

Fred Thoman was pronounced dead at the scene when his 1979 Buick Regal collided with a bus.

Thomas was heading south on V-64 near Cantril when he attempted to cross Highway 2. He slowed and then pulled into the path of the MTCI Bus, owned by Golden Eagle Distributing Company in Ottumwa. The bus, driven by William A. Riesenbeck (who was wearing a seat belt) struck the right rear corner of the car at 7:50 AM and causing it to spin into the Southeast Ditch. The bus was driven onto the shoulder.

Thoman would have been spared injuries, according to the Iowa State Patrol, had he been wearing a seat belt.

The bus had minor damage and returned to Ottumwa.

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office assisted the Iowa State Patrol.

The bus had 13 passengers, none of which suffered any injuries.

Source: "Scrapbook 1991 - 1992", Pg. 62,
Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, Van Buren Co., IA