Above: Collision involving a school athletic bus (tweeted by @susantran)
Superintendent Christine Johnson issued a message to the community about an accident that took place today. The bus carrying the Girls Rugby team was struck by a car.
Judging by the message, most students were cleared at the scene.
It’s been reported by several media sources that the 73 year old woman driving the car is in serious condition. Reports say that she had to be removed from the car using the Jaws of Life.
Many of the reports also say that nine players and coaches bus were taken to the hospital. WCVB reports that Sudbury Police said that about 10 girls were taken to Metrowest Medical with minor injuries.
The Superintendent’s report from 5:35 this evening had stated only two were sent on to the hospital for evaluation:
We have been notified by North Reading Transportation, our bus transportation company, that a bus carrying the Girls Algonquin Rugby team was involved in a one car accident while traveling to the scheduled game this afternoon at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. Mel Laughton, Algonquin Assistant Principal, was immediately dispatched to the site. Initial information provided by Mr. Laughton is that two coaches and 23 students were traveling on the athletic bus. All students and personnel have been checked by emergency responders. Two students were sent to the hospital for further evaluation. Initial reports indicate that the car crossed into the lane hitting the front of the NRT bus. Police and support personnel are on the scene. All parents are being notified directly by school and support staff.
Updated (4/6/16 7:15 pm): Included the information shared in media reports.
Updated (4/6/16 7:22 pm): Found WCVB story that credits Sudbury Police as source for the greater number of girls reported as being sent to the hospital.
I do not know who is at fault here but I have called this bus company two or three times this year alone with complaints over their aggressive drivers. Yes, school busses have th eright away, but they can not drive with a chip on their shoulders. Looks like the driver pulled out and the bus driver tried to go around the car and hit it.
I don’t think that’s a fair assumption. The bus driver could have been swerving while slamming the brakes.
the bus is equipped with video camers…..so the truth will be told
Beth I think I was perfectly clear in stating, “I don’t know who’s at fault”. So it goes unsaid that I’m not blaming them.
@Mike: in fairness to Beth, while you did start out by saying you were not assigning blame, you then went on to mention your complaints about “aggressive (bus) drivers,” bus drivers with “a chip on their shoulders,” and finished up by observing that it appeared to you that the bus driver hit the car while trying to “go around” it. So I can understand why Beth might have felt that you were actually accusing the bus driver of wrongdoing based on your recounting of past experiences with school vehicles.
What’s with all the defensiveness pretty thin skin guys
@Mike: Defensiveness?