Driver, students receive minor injuries when Charles City school bus rolls into ditch

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

An accident involving a Charles City school bus that went into a ditch caused minor injuries to several students and the bus driver Monday afternoon.

The bus went into a ditch in the 1700 block of Victory Avenue, about 2 miles north of the Northeast Iowa Regional Airport, a few minutes after 4 p.m., according to a report by the Iowa State Patrol.

A statement released by the Charles City Community School District said the accident occurred while transporting students home after classes.

“Four students and the bus driver sustained minor injuries and were transferred by ambulance to the Floyd County Medical Center for evaluation,” the statement said. “Another bus was dispatched to transport the remaining students home and several parents picked up their students from the site.”

Justin DeVore, school district director of communications, confirmed that the driver and students had been treated and released at the hospital. He said the bus came to rest on its side in the ditch.

About 20 students were on the bus at the time of the accident, DeVore said.

“The Charles City Community Schools students on the bus are to be commended for helping their peers and the driver off the bus after the accident,” the school district statement said.

The district said its emergency communications response team implemented is emergency protocol for bus accidents to contact parents directly Wednesday afternoon.

The Iowa State Patrol report said the bus was being driven by Bonnie Lore, age 70, of Ionia. The vehicle was northbound on Victory Avenue when it entered the ditch and rolled, the report said.

The State Patrol report said two juveniles sustained minor injuries and were released to their parents. The accident remains under investigation.

Assisting at the scene were the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Colwell Fire Department and AMR ambulance.