Rockingham County School Bus Involved in Field Trip Crash Driver Cited

Rockingham County School Bus Incident in Louisa County Raises Safety Concerns

Accident Details: Rockingham County Bus Involved in Crash

A school bus from Rockingham County faced a vehicular accident on Thursday in Louisa County. According to officials, the collision occurred at 10:51 a.m. on Route 33/Jefferson Highway near Jouett Elementary School.

Distracted Driving Leads to Collision

The bus, carrying 40 passengers, was hit by a Subaru sedan traveling eastward. Virginia State Police (VSP) reported that the Subaru’s driver was distracted by his phone while changing music, causing the car to drift into the westbound lane, sideswiping the bus on the front driver’s side. Both vehicles lost control, leading to further chaos on the road.

Injuries and Emergency Response Efforts

The Subaru ended its uncontrolled movement by spinning twice and striking a guardrail, deploying its airbags. The driver sustained serious injuries and was rushed to UVA Hospital for immediate medical care. Meanwhile, the school bus veered off the road, descending an embankment and crashing into trees. The bus driver, a chaperone, and at least two students were also transported to UVA Hospital for potential injuries.

Conflicting Reports on the Severity of Injuries

Louisa County officials reported on social media that five students and three adults were hospitalized with minor injuries. On the contrary, Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Larry Shifflett mentioned that there were no significant injuries among the bus passengers. The remaining students underwent evaluation by Louisa County Fire & EMS at Jouett Elementary.

Response and Future Updates

Following the incident, VSP cited the Subaru driver for failing to obey lane markings. In communication sent to Elkton Middle School and Wilbur S. Pence Middle School families, Superintendent Shifflett clarified that the students were en route to the Virginia State Fair during the incident. He expressed gratitude to all individuals involved in ensuring student safety, especially emphasizing the efforts of chaperones, staff members, and first responders.

This situation remains under investigation, and updates will be provided as new information emerges. Emegypt will continue to follow the story closely.