Bus Crash Sends Eight To Local Hospital

Location: Walnut Shade Road at Millchop Lane, Magnolia, DE

Date of Occurrence: Monday November 18, 2013 at approximately 8:10 a.m.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

Operator #1: Sharon K. Hunter, 60, Harrington, DE
Vehicle #1: 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Passengers: 7 year old female and 2 year old female (grandchildren)

Operator #2: James T. Bennett, 72, Camden-Wyoming, DE
Vehicle #2: 2011 Blue Bird school bus (Hilton Bus Service)
Passengers: 42 children from Nellie Stoke Elementary – Caesar Rodney School District

Resume:
Magnolia, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a school bus crash that sent eight people to a local hospital.

The incident occurred around 8:10 a.m. this morning as Sharon K. Hunter was operating a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser eastbound on Walnut Shade Road approaching Millchop Lane. James T. Bennett was operating a 2011 Blue Bird school bus with 42 children, northbound on Millchop Lane approaching the stop sign at Walnut Shade Road. Bennett came to a stop and then proceeded into the intersection to turn left and travel westbound on Walnut Shade when he pulled into the path of the PT Cruiser. Sharon Hunter applied her brakes in an attempt to avoid striking the school bus, but struck the left side near the rear axle. The bus continued westbound for approximately 50 feet dragging the Chrysler in a counter-clockwise manner before coming to a stop in the westbound lane.

Sharon Hunter, who was properly restrained, was extricated by mechanical means from the car and transported by EMS to Kent General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Her two grandchildren, who were also properly restrained, were transported as well for precautionary measures.

James Bennett was properly restrained and not injured in the crash. Five children on the bus ranging from ages 6 to 11 year old were transported to Kent General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The remainder of the children were transferred to a separate bus at the scene and continued on to Nellie Stokes Elementary School located south of Camden. Bennett was cited with Failure to Remain Stopped at a Stop Sign.

Walnut Shade Road was closed between Barney Jenkins Road and Peachtree Run for approximately two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.