JEFFERSON TWP — A motorcyclist was pronounced dead after a collision between the motorcycle and a bus carrying roughly 20 elementary students home from the Knoch School District on their first day of school.

According to Butler County Chief Deputy Coroner John Hanovick, the motorcyclist was 79 years old. No further details on the motorcyclist were released.

The students and the bus driver were uninjured in the crash, which was first reported at 4:16 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the intersection of Dinnerbell Road and Victory Road, according to David Foley, superintendent of Knoch School District.

Butler County Coroner William Young III confirmed his office was called to the scene.

Dinnerbell Road was closed at Frazier and West Jefferson roads as a result of the crash, with state fire police turning vehicles back. A fire police official said the scene would likely be closed until 9:30 p.m. at least.

According to Foley, students were moved to a new bus for the rest of their ride home from their first day of school. Foley noted the elementary school principals would be accompanying the students home.

“School counselors will be available at the elementary schools tomorrow, should any students need help working through the aftermath of this event,” he said.

When the crash was initially reported, emergency response departments were dispatched for a report of a motorcycle under a school bus. Dispatch said callers reported that the rider of the motorcycle did not appear to be under the bus.

W.L. Roenigk — operator of the school bus — said in a statement from company president Sue Roenigk to the Eagle “we’re deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with the involved family. We are fully cooperating with the authorities in their investigation of this incident.”

An autopsy will be conducted on the motorcyclist Thursday.