A school bus accident yesterday morning in Roane County has led to two students being hospitalized and prompted an investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP). The bus driver, Paul Perrin, 64, has been placed on administrative leave following the crash, which saw his vehicle veer off Ponders Gap Road before stopping against a tree.

The accident occurred just before 8 a.m., causing injuries to two of the 21 students onboard. THP reported to WATE that Perrin might have been distracted by his cell phone at the time of the crash. Nineth Judicial District Attorney Russell Johnson stated, "Charges could be pending," capturing the seriousness of the situation that occurred during the typical school morning commute.

In their response to the accident, Roane County Schools provided details to WBIR about the immediate aftermath: "one student was transported to the hospital for evaluation and released later that afternoon." Local medical providers also assessed the others onboard. The school system reassured that a thorough investigation into the incident is ongoing.

A key aspect of the probe will involve reviewing the footage from the bus’s forward-facing and in-vehicle cameras, a step confirmed by Johnson in a statement to WATE. This evidence might not only clarify the cause of the accident but, also potentially support any subsequent legal actions against Perrin, should the allegations of cell phone usage be substantiated. Roane County Schools, while refraining from judgment at this juncture, highlighted that Perrin's status as a school employee is under careful review as they await more definitive answers from the ongoing inquiry.