Yesterday, at around 9:30 a.m., a school bus carrying 11 special needs students was involved in a collision with a semi-truck on westbound I-94 near Jackson, reported FOX 2 Detroit. Michigan State Police said the crash occurred when the Jackson County Intermediate School District bus hydroplaned on the slick roadway and lost control while attempting to merge onto the interstate from northbound U.S. 127.
The bus collision with the semi resulted in the bus rolling onto its side and the semi-truck crashing into the median wall. According to MLive, the accident caused minor injuries to the driver, an attendant, and three students who were quickly transported to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Kaci Babineau, JCISD marketing and special projects coordinator told MLive that the students' injuries amounted to some scrapes and "bumps that could turn into bruises."
Despite the harrowing scene, local police and responders promptly provided aid. "They were so quick on the scene, and because they were familiar with our students and the special needs and care that come along with them, they were so calm and collected trying to manage that chaotic scene," Babineau told MLive. Her praise extended to JCISD staff members who assisted in keeping students calm during rescue efforts.
An investigation into the accident is still ongoing, with authorities considering the wet roadway and speed as possible factors, as per WWJ Newsradio. The Michigan State Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division was to inspect both vehicles the next day. Following the initial incident, the freeway was closed temporarily but has since been reopened.
Jackson County, along with various regions in Michigan, has been experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to multiple reports of wet and hazardous roads. Police are using this incident to once again remind drivers to exercise caution under such conditions to prevent similar accidents from happening.
