MONROE TOWNSHIP — Two people were injured, one seriously, in a three-vehicle crash involving a school bus on Friday afternoon, Sept. 20.
At 2:48 p.m., Friday, deputies respond to the crash in the 3300 block of U.S. 40 West in Monroe Township, according to Sheriff Mike Simpson.
”The preliminary investigation found that a school bus from the National Trail Local School District was traveling east on U.S. 40 and had stopped to discharge a student,” Simpson reported. “Lights were activated on the bus. A white 2024 Toyota had stopped behind the bus. A second vehicle, a black 2014 Hyundai, was traveling east on U.S. 40 and rear-ended the Toyota. The impact from the Hyundai pushed the Toyota into the back of the bus. Both cars suffered heavy damage.”
According to Simpson, the driver of the Toyota was transported by ambulance to Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond with non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the Hyundai was transported by MedFlight to Kettering Hospital’s Main Campus with serious injuries.
Twenty-six students were reported to be on the bus at the time of the crash. No students or the bus driver were injured, according to Simpson.
Students were transferred to another bus and the National Trail Local School District continued the route to deliver students to their homes.
U.S. 40 was closed for approximately 1 ½ hours while deputies conducted their investigation. North Central EMS, Eldorado Fire Department, West Manchester Fire Department and Northwest EMS responded to the scene.
At press time, the crash remained under investigation by the Preble County Sheriff’s Office.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.