A harrowing incident unfolded in Johnston County on Monday morning when a school bus carrying 24 students, aged 5 to 11, was involved in a serious crash. Reports indicate that the bus was en route to Princeton Elementary School when the accident occurred on Stevens Chapel Road. Photos from the scene depict a distressing sight, with emergency medical services responding swiftly as the back of the bus suffered significant damage.
Of the students on board, nine were injured in the crash. Two of them sustained severe injuries, including femur fractures and facial lacerations, and were rushed to WakeMed, while seven others were taken to a hospital in Smithfield for treatment. Thankfully, the remaining students escaped physical harm and were escorted to school, awaiting their parents’ arrival.
Initial investigations suggest that the bus, driven by Karin Allis Hauver, 52, veered off course, overcorrected, and collided with a mailbox and tree. Authorities have attributed the accident to a left-of-center violation, citing inattention rather than factors like impairment, speed, or drugs. Witnesses in the area, like Thomas Goffe, voiced concerns about the frequency of such incidents, citing instances of overcorrection in the past.
This tragic event underscores the importance of road safety, particularly in areas prone to accidents. Just days prior, another Johnston County school bus was involved in a separate collision, further highlighting the need for vigilance and adherence to traffic regulations. As the community grapples with the aftermath of these incidents, there’s a collective call for heightened caution and awareness on the roads.
