A crash involving a car and a school bus of children left one dead and several injured in Laurel on Monday afternoon, according to first responder emergency communications.
Delaware State Police have yet to release further details on the crash, other than to say it was fatal, but here’s what we know.
Where did the crash occur?
The crash happened at Hardscrabble and East Trap Pond roads around 3: 40 p.m., according to Delaware State Police, who announced just after 4 p.m. that roadways would be closed for an extended period of time and advised drivers to avoid the area.
Delaware bus accident:1 killed in Laurel crash involving school bus; children pulled from overturned vehicle
What happened?
According to USA Today Network freelance photographer Wayne Barrall, the car hit the side of the school bus, causing it to roll. Photos and video from the scene showed it on its side surrounded by first responders.
The car could be seen in the grass nearby and also overturned. First responder communications indicate the driver was the person who died.
Photos from the scene showed tarps covering the car as well as the bus missing the front windshield. Two safety hatches on top of the bus, which are built to allow passengers to escape, were open.
Were children on the school bus injured?
Barrall said one student was trapped in the bus and had to be extracted by firefighters. He said the driver stayed inside to keep the student calm. Both were later able to get out of the bus.
Nine students from the bus were taken to a local hospital.
Just before 6 p.m., Delaware State Police could still be scene investigating at the scene of the crash.
Have police said what caused the crash?
No, Delaware State Police as of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday had not released additional details about what caused the crash.
What school was the school bus affiliated with?
In a Facebook post around 6:30 p.m. Monday night, Sussex Montessori School shared that it was aware of the crash and had been in touch with the hospital, school leaders, and staff present with children and families.
The school community would have additional mental health resources provided and share new information with parents as it becomes available, the school said in the post.
