No passengers injured when teen driver rear-ends stopped Charles City school bus

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

A teenager was injured when the car she was driving rear-ended a stopped Charles City school bus Thursday afternoon on the last day of school, according to a report by the Iowa State Patrol.

None of the students on the bus were injured, according to the State Patrol report, as well as according to reports by the Charles City School District and the Charles City Fire Department.

The accident was reported at 12:13 p.m. Thursday, on the Gilbert Street hill near the intersection with Riverview Drive, northeast of the Maple Heights area.

The school bus was stopped and was dropping off students when it was struck from behind by a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse SUV being driven by Nya Lee Nosbisch, age 15, the State Patrol reported. The driver of the school bus was Jeffrey Lee Gelner, age 66.

The Charles City Fire Department, saying the SUV had “significant damages,” reported, “The driver of the SUV was transported by AMR to the hospital with injuries, while a second ambulance crew checked on the children that remained on the bus. Luckily no children were injured during the accident, just a little shaken up.”

The Fire Department remained on scene for about an hour while the debris was cleaned up and vehicles removed, it said.

The Charles City School District sent a phone message and text to parents with students on the bus, advising them of the accident and that no students were hurt.

Another more widespread message had been sent out by Jerry Mitchell, the school district transportation director and director of operations. It read:

“Dear Parents and Guardians,

“We are writing to inform you of a minor incident involving one of our school buses this afternoon during the completion of its designated routes. The bus was rear-ended by another vehicle, but we are relieved to report that no students on the bus were injured in the collision.

“As a precautionary measure, we immediately dispatched a spare bus to complete the remaining routes and ensure all students arrived home safely.

“We are currently in the process of contacting the parents of students who were on the bus at the time of the incident. If your child was on the affected bus, you will be receiving a separate communication shortly.

“We understand that this incident may be concerning, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We are grateful for the quick response of our staff and the cooperation of our students.

“If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school transportation department at 641-257-6590.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

The Charles City Fire Department, Charles City Police Department, AMR ambulance, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol responded to the scene.