WILMOT, N.S. — Annapolis District RCMP members are cautioning motorists to exercise discretion and caution near school buses after a significant fender bender between a transport truck and a school bus.
“This morning, a collision occurred between a transport truck and a school bus travelling to Pine Ridge Middle school,” wrote Kristen Loyst, a spokesperson for Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education (AVRCE), in an email.
Const. Cheryl Ponee of the Annapolis District RCMP confirmed that a commercial 18-wheeler collided with the back of a school bus in the morning Sept. 16. The collision occurred while the bus was picking up children in Wilmot between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.
“Luckily, no one was hurt,” Ponee said, noting there were 12 children on the bus with the driver at the time of the incident.
The truck slammed into the back of the bus, denting its rear fender and smashing out one of its windows. The truck sustained some slight damage from the impact, Ponee said.
“The driver of the 18-wheeler said the bus didn’t have signal lights, but the bus driver said he did,” she said. “Regardless, I explained he should have been at a safe distance to stop, if he’s hit someone from behind. Obviously, the truck driver was too close.”
Loyst said the bus driver followed post-accident procedures after the collision, “including checking that students appeared unharmed.”
Loyst said that after EHS determined all students were unharmed, another driver picked them up and brought them along to school.
“The school has contacted parents and guardians and has been offering support to the students involved,” Loyst said.
Ponee reminded motorists travelling near school buses to be diligent, “especially in those morning hours, when buses are picking up and dropping off kids.”
