12 students, 2 drivers hurt after school bus crash in northern Minnesota
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — Twelve students needed hospitalization after a school bus crash in northern Minnesota Thursday morning.
St. Louis County Schools Superintendent Reggie Engebritson says a school bus for Cherry School, located in Iron, was on its route when a motorist ran a stop sign and struck the bus, causing it to roll.
The Minnesota State Patrol, which is investigating the crash, says it occurred just before 8 a.m. Thursday at a four-way intersection of County Road 5 and Town Line Road, which is just east of Hibbing.
According to the patrol, there were 22 people on the bus at the time of the crash.
Twelve students were taken to area hospitals for treatment, the patrol said. Engebritson says some of the students have since been released. Nine additional students suffered injuries that did not require hospitalization.
According to the state patrol, both drivers were also taken to area hospitals. The driver of the passenger vehicle, a 19-year-old woman from Alborn, Minnesota, suffered life-threatening injuries. The bus driver, a 52-year-old man from Iron, suffered minor injuries.
All other injuries involved are minor and not considered to be life-threatening, the patrol said.
"The school bus crash in Hibbing was a traumatic and stressful experience for everyone involved," Col. Christina Bogojevic, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, said. "We are here to support the crash victims, their families and the community during this difficult situation. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the bystanders, emergency responders including the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, and medical personnel who acted swiftly to help at the scene."
According to Engebritson, the school district is working with the state patrol in its investigation and noted that the bus is equipped with cameras.
NOTE: This story has been updated to 12 students hospitalized, confirmed by the state patrol.
This is a developing story. Check back on WCCO for more.
