MARCH 20, 2015
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT
Nine students were taken to the hospital after a school bus
crashed into a residence in Stamford on Friday afternoon.
The crash was reported on Vine Road near Barmore Drive just before 12:30 p.m.
The 2004 IC Model RE School Bus, which is registered to First Student, hit a 2000 Ford F350 pick-up attempting to turn at the stoplight on Vine Road and then, bus continued on to strike a utility pole. The bus crashed into the front porch of the home at 118 Vine Rd.
The crash was reported on Vine Road near Barmore Drive just before 12:30 p.m.
The 2004 IC Model RE School Bus, which is registered to First Student, hit a 2000 Ford F350 pick-up attempting to turn at the stoplight on Vine Road and then, bus continued on to strike a utility pole. The bus crashed into the front porch of the home at 118 Vine Rd.
"It was a little scary. A little worried," said
homeowner Amy Shulkin.
Stamford school officials said there were 42 students, who attend Turn of the River Middle School, on the bus at the time of the crash and they were being bused home after an early dismissal. Police said nine of them suffered "minor injuries" and had to be transported to Stamford for evaluation.
The other children on the bus were taken back to the school
by First Student vans where they were picked up by parents. Those students have
been told to seek medical attention on their own if they experience any pain.
Police said had mechanical problems, however the cause of
the crash remains under investigation.
"She complained of a mechanical failure on the bus
which cause her to strike the rear of a pickup truck which was waiting in the
driveway of the school waiting to exit," Stamford Police Sgt. Andrew
Gallagher said.
Officials have towed that bus to a yard where it can be
inspected by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
No charges have been filed at times.
"Depending upon further inspection of the vehicle we
will take enforcement action against the driver if warranted," Gallagher
said.
However, bus driver, 35-year-old Diana Morris-Scott, of
Norwalk, has been suspended by First Student and has been "temporarily
disqualified from transporting City of Stamford Public School students,"
police said.
The crash caused the nearby Turn of the River Middle School
to lose power.
Anyone with any information about the crash is asked to call
Stamford Police Department at 203-977-4712.