Vermont State Police say a two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Vermont Route 30 and Depot Road in Newfane on January 7, 2026, around 8:54 AM. According to police reports, a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, driven by 49-year-old Julia O. Shaw of Newfane, lost control while traveling southbound and collided with a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox that was stopped at a stop sign. The Equinox, operated by 68-year-old Deborah L. Johnson from Northfield, Massachusetts, was being used as a school transportation vehicle at the time.
Both vehicles were severely damaged and had their airbags deploy during the incident. Johnson sustained minor injuries and was taken to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, while Shaw was evaluated at the scene but declined further medical assistance. A student passenger in the Equinox was unharmed. Weather conditions included snow, sleet, and slushy roads, which police believe contributed to the crash.
The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this time. Court dates and legal proceedings may change as the investigation develops.
The Vermont newfane twovehicle situation continues to develop. The Vermont newfane twovehicle situation continues to develop.
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Source: Vermont State Police
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Source: Vermont State Police ↗
How this was written: This story was drafted with AI assistance from public-record sources and published under VTScout's editorial standards. Spot something wrong? Request a correction.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and court dates are subject to change. Reporting is based on information from law enforcement and public records, and will be updated as more details become available.
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