On a recent Friday afternoon, a collision involving two school buses sent multiple people to the hospital in Peoria. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. at 83rd Avenue and Sweetwater Avenue just north of Cactus Road, resulted in seven individuals, including five children and two adults, requiring medical attention, as reported by ABC15. Thankfully, the Peoria Police Department has confirmed that the injuries sustained are non-life-threatening.
Authorities have determined that the crash happened when one of the bus drivers stopped for a red light, and the other failed to stop in time. The driver of the second bus was cited for a civil traffic violation, as per the official statement from the police. Officer Kristopher Babros provided some reassurance with his statement to Arizona's Family News, saying, "This could've been much more worse. Thankfully, it's not." However, the neighborhoods surrounding the crash site were affected, with 83rd Avenue southbound closed, and both directions of Sweetwater Avenue shuttered, while the investigation ensued.
The two buses involved belonged to Valley Del Sol Transportation and were carrying students from the Academy of Math and Science Peoria Advanced campus, a K-8 charter school. They were returning from a field trip to the Pioneer Living History Museum in north Phoenix at the time of the incident. According to a statement obtained by ABC15, a total of 90 students were on the two buses during the collision.
Following the crash, the charter school company was quick to assess the situation. "All students and staff have been assessed by first responders and school personnel. At this time, we have been informed that two students and one adult were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, and all other students continue to be monitored on site," a statement from the AMS Impact Group detailed, which was reported by Arizona's Family News. Both speed and impairment have been ruled out as factors contributing to the crash, as the investigation into the specific cause continues. Local authorities have been working diligently with the transportation provider to address the aftermath, ensuring that the safety and well-being of students and staff remain the highest priority.
The community awaits further updates as the Peoria Police Department continues its investigation into the exact cause of the accident. Meanwhile, families affected were contacted directly as the school and emergency services coordinated their response. Video from the scene captured by a news chopper showed both buses, with one having sustained significant damage to the front windshield, highlighting the severity of the incident.
