Bakersfield, CA – On the evening of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, a workplace accident involving a school bus resulted in fatal injuries to a worker in South Bakersfield, prompting an investigation by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), according to KBAK.
The Bakersfield Police Department reports that the incident occurred around 7:00 PM in the parking area of Golden Valley High School, located near Horizon Elementary School. The victim, Cris Levya, who was identified in a GoFundMe page, was reportedly attempting to load a school bus onto a truck when the bus rolled and crushed him.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and attempted lifesaving measures, but the worker was pronounced dead shortly after. The site was secured, and Cal/OSHA has launched an investigation to determine whether any workplace safety violations contributed to the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the towing apparatus and the school bus to determine if any mechanical issues or procedural errors were involved.
If Cal/OSHA finds evidence of serious safety violations, the employer could face citations or even allegations of serious and willful misconduct. In such cases, the deceased worker’s family may be entitled to increased workers’ compensation benefits. In extreme situations, a criminal investigation could also be initiated by the local district attorney’s office.
Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits
Workers’ compensation death benefits are payments to a spouse, children, or other dependents if an employee dies from a work-related injury or illness. There are special benefits available to those who depended on their loved one for financial support before their fatal accident. The benefits a dependent can receive will largely be determined by the relationship they have with the decedent and the amount of financial support they provided before their untimely death.
