A school bus carrying approximately 20 students collided with a tree on Three Degree Road near the community park around 8:30 a.m., according to the Adams Township police chief. The incident resulted in several injuries, with two students and the driver transported from the scene. UPMC hospitals treated seven children who have since been discharged. The driver was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, but their condition remains unknown. Notably, bystanders played a crucial role in assisting the children before emergency services arrived. Mars Area School District ensured all students were evaluated by medical personnel, contacted parents, and provided alternative transportation for those cleared to return to school.
The crash occurred when the bus veered off the road during its Elementary School Route 21 journey. Police Chief Shawn Anglum praised the immediate response of nearby residents and passersby who helped evacuate the children safely. State police assisted in reconstructing the accident and investigating its cause. Despite the severity of the event, no specific details about the driver's experience or the cause of the crash have been released yet.
Mom Kelley Baumgartel witnessed the crash as her son was about to board the bus. She called 911 and rushed to assist, finding that some children had already opened the emergency door. Another parent physically entered the bus to help more kids escape. Baumgartel noted visible injuries among some children and observed that the driver appeared to be in distress. She couldn't access the driver due to how the bus hit the tree but managed to coordinate the safety of the children until more help arrived.
Parents like Kelsey Roche expressed deep concern over such incidents, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their children's safety. Patrick McNulty, another parent, praised Baumgartel's heroic actions while expressing shock at the severity of the crash. He hopes that necessary changes will be made to prevent future accidents. Mars Area School District announced plans to provide social workers at schools on Thursday and Monday for emotional support, especially following this alarming incident.
The district has faced six crashes involving school buses in the past seven years. Four of these were minor with no injuries, while one in 2018 led to charges against a driver later acquitted. In light of this latest crash, where six students were hospitalized and 22 checked out, parents are calling for improved safety measures to protect both students and drivers.