SUV Driver Killed in Crash Involving Middle School Bus in Wyoming
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said that a man was killed after his vehicle crashed into the rear of a bus belonging to Lander Middle School on September 11th, 2019 around 8:30 pm. The 44-year-old man, whose name has not been released, is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Multiple Students Injured
The Lander Middle School bus was carrying twenty students from the football team along with the bus driver as told by Lt. Travis Hauser of the Wyoming Highway Patrol to KTWO-AM. All students suffered minor injuries in the crash that occurred south of Riverton at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 789 and 17 Mile Road.
Eight students and the driver were treated for their injuries at area hospitals and later released. Dave Barker, Superintendent of Fremont County School District No. 1 stated that the bus carrying Lander Middle School football players was on its way back from a game in Worland before the crash occurred.
Suspected Alcohol a Contributing Factor
Hauser claimed the bus accident occurred when the bus stopped at a red light. Alcohol is suspected to be a contributing factor, though the accident is still under investigation.
The 44-year-old Arapaho resident driving the silver SUV was believed to be under the influence of alcohol which led to him rear-ending into the school bus that was facing southbound on Highway 789.
Hauser added that the driver of the SUV did not have his seat belt on correctly. First responders to the scene of the accident reportedly found dozens of open alcohol containers inside the SUV, on the driver’s side floor.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Fremont County Fire Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the Wind River Police Department responded to the scene.
Bus Accidents Can Result in Severe Injuries
Over 20,000 injuries and 250 deaths are reported each year in the United States by the Department of Transportation as a result of bus accidents. Generally, buses are considered to be safe. However, due to their sheer size when an accident does happen, it can result in severe injuries. An experienced bus accident attorney can help guide victims through the various complexities of seeking compensation.
Buses are rarely ever equipped with passenger seatbelts which makes injuries common. Typical injuries as a result of bus accidents include:
- Broken bones, strains, and sprains
- Back and neck injuries
- Lacerations, abrasions, and bruises
- Head trauma, concussions, and TBI
Bus accident injuries can be anywhere from minor to life-threatening. It is rare for passengers involved in bus accidents to receive guidance about pursuing compensation. This makes retaining the services of a qualified bus accident lawyer critical.
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