SCHOOL BUS CRASH REPORTS 2007

School Bus Accident Sends 17 to Hospital
Students, bus driver in good condition; teen driver of car hit by bus is charged
March 21, 2007

A 17-year-old girl was charged in a collision that sent 16 Richland 1 students and a bus driver to the hospital Tuesday with minor injuries.

Brittney Boykin of Columbia is charged with failure to yield and a violation of her learner’s permit, said Columbia Police Department spokeswoman, Lauren Leach.

Sixteen students` from E.E. Taylor Elementary School and the bus driver were taken to hospitals, said Karen York, District 1 spokeswoman.

All were transported in good condition.

“Students were complaining of neck aches and headaches,” she said.

There were 41 students on the bus returning from a field trip to Columbia College, where they watched a performance. Those who weren’t taken to hospitals were examined on the scene and continued to school, York said.

The wreck occurred about 12:20 p.m. at North Main Street and Columbia College Drive, according to an incident report.

A car traveling on North Main ran a traffic light and was struck on its passenger side by the bus, which was entering the intersection from Columbia College Drive, York said.

Four chaperones on the bus were a “tremendous” help, York said.

The wreck caused minor damage to the bus. The crossing gate was knocked off.

By ISHMAEL TATE

back to Crash Reports 2007

top