A school bus carrying 14 students rolled over on Highway 12 near Orillia on Tuesday morning, leaving five children with minor injuries, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Bus driver charged with careless driving
The OPP said the bus driver, a 73-year-old man from Orillia, lost control of the vehicle and veered off the road, causing the bus to flip onto its side around 8:30 a.m. The driver was not injured, but was charged with careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act.
The OPP said the driver was wearing a seatbelt, but none of the students were. The bus was equipped with lap belts, but they were not mandatory for the passengers, according to the OPP.
Students taken to hospital as a precaution
The OPP said five students, aged between 11 and 14, suffered minor injuries such as cuts and bruises. They were taken to a local hospital as a precaution, and later released. The other nine students were not injured, but were also taken to the hospital for assessment.
The students were from the Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, and were on their way to school in Orillia when the incident occurred.
The OPP said the road conditions were clear and dry at the time of the crash, and the investigation is ongoing.
Parents and school officials notified
The OPP said they notified the parents and the school officials of the incident, and provided support and counselling to the students and their families.
The school boards issued a joint statement, saying they were grateful that no one was seriously hurt, and that they were working closely with the OPP and the bus company to ensure the safety and well-being of the students and staff.
The statement also said that the school boards have a policy that requires students to wear seatbelts on buses, if available, and that they will review the policy and the incident with the bus company.
School bus safety tips
According to Transport Canada, school buses are one of the safest modes of transportation for children, but there are some safety tips that parents and students should follow:
- Always wear a seatbelt if one is available, and adjust it properly.
- Stay seated and face forward at all times, and do not distract the driver or other passengers.
- Follow the instructions of the driver and the bus monitor, and report any problems or concerns to them.
- Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting on or off, and use the handrail.
- Be alert and look both ways before crossing the street, and never walk behind the bus.
