WILKES-BARRE, PA- A school bus carrying 49 children was involved in a head-on collision with a flatbed tow truck in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, around 8 a.m. on Route 115. The incident resulted in nearly all the children and two adults being transported to the hospital.
Edward Steinmann, 28, the driver of the tow truck, is suspected to have experienced a medical complication while driving, which led to the accident. Authorities believe this health issue caused him to veer across the road, colliding with the school bus. Steinmann was subsequently taken to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center for treatment.
The bus driver, Suzanne Ent, 53, was also transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of her injuries. Both drivers reportedly suffered moderate injuries as a result of the collision. A second bus was dispatched to the scene to transport the children to the hospital.
While the children’s injuries were classified as minor, they were still taken to the medical center as a precautionary measure. The children, aged between five and 14, were en route to Bear Creek Community Charter School for their second day of classes. They span grades from kindergarten to eighth grade.
Parents of the affected children were promptly informed about the incident and were able to pick up their children from the hospital. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is currently underway.
The Pennsylvania State Police expressed gratitude that the accident did not result in any severe injuries. They also extended their appreciation to the good Samaritans who stopped to provide assistance at the scene. Route 115 was temporarily closed from Laurel Run Road to East Mountain Boulevard as crews worked to clear the scene.
Jim Smith, CEO of Bear Creek Community Charter School, expressed his gratitude to all the responding agencies and the school staff who rallied to support the students. He also thanked the police and STA, as well as the bus company, for their cooperation during this unfortunate incident.