R-2 Superintendent Mark Leach said a southbound bus driven by Belinda Ahring was stopped on Route Y north of Gerald  and south of Route ZZ to on-load a passenger when her bus was struck from behind. Leach said 21 students were riding the bus and all were examined by school nurses when they arrived at their respective buildings. The district also contacted the parents of all of the students to see if they wanted an additional examination for their children.

Leach said a male high school senior came around a curve and was unable to stop in time. Leach said the approach to the loading area is not marked but is visible rather quickly as motorists exit the curve, Leach said. “The Ford Escort kind of got underneath the bus a little bit,” said Leach. The car was driven away from the scene. The district’s bus sustained “minimal bumper damage,” said Leach.

As is the case in any accident involving an R-2 bus, its driver is automatically given a drug and alcohol test. “The bus driver is tested as a precaution,” said Leach.