A routine after-school ride turned scary on Monday when a school bus carrying about 30 students ran off Jay Avenue and slammed into a tree in Munson Township, Stearns County. Several children ended up with minor cuts and bruises, parents were quickly notified, and students were checked out at the scene before being released to their guardians. The bus was heavily damaged and later towed away.
Where it happened
The crash happened at about 3:20 p.m. on Jay Avenue just south of Highway 23, when the bus left the road near a curve, entered a ditch and struck a tree, according to CBS Minnesota. Authorities said roughly 30 students of various ages were on board when the bus finally came to rest across a driveway.
Driver and operator identified
Local reporting identified the driver as 72-year-old Thomas Gordon Hedberg of Sartell and said the bus was operated by Richmond Bus Service, according to KNSI. Officials have not said where the bus was heading or released details about the specific ages of the students on board.
Injuries and response
Several students sustained small cuts and other minor injuries, mostly from broken windows, and were treated and released to parents at the scene, KSTP reports. Emergency crews tended to children on site while a local tow company later removed the battered bus after the crash.
Investigation under way
“The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors in this crash,” the Stearns County Sheriff's Office said, according to KNSI. Authorities said they are reviewing the vehicle and the crash scene as they continue to gather information.
How common are school-bus crashes?
Federal safety agencies note that while school buses are among the most regulated vehicles on the road and are designed to protect passengers, crashes still happen and can injure riders. NHTSA recommends careful route planning, driver training and other safeguards to cut down the risk of serious harm when incidents occur.
Officials have not released an exact count of injured students or said whether any citations will be issued as the probe continues, per reporting from CBS Minnesota. Investigators have not identified a cause, and the investigation remains active, KSTP reports.
