Hamilton County Schools bus crashes on Signal Mountain
UPDATE:
Hamilton County Superintendent Justin Robertson’s made a statement on Wednesday morning’s school bus accident:
“Earlier today, a contractor-operated school bus carrying students to Signal Mountain Middle/High School was involved in an accident. Most importantly, we are thankful that everyone aboard the bus is safe. We are proud of the students on board the bus for remaining calm and for taking action to call for assistance following the accident.
HCS is fully cooperating with law enforcement on their investigation of this morning’s accident. The driver has been cited for not following proper procedures, and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken by the school district. Additionally, we will review the incident through a continuous improvement lens to support ongoing growth.
School buses are an essential part of what we do as a school district. Each day, our buses run 250 routes and cover more than 22,000 miles. All of our drivers receive dedicated training on the processes, procedures, and laws of operating a school bus and transporting our students, and they are expected to implement these measures according to our guidance. We will continue to take the steps necessary to ensure our students are transported safely every day.”
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has filed charges against the school bus driver involved in a crash this morning.
They identified the bus driver as Margaret Miles and charged her with the following.
- Seat belt law
- Failure to exercise due care
The crash happened around 6:50 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
According to the sheriff’s office, the driver was trying to turn onto Rolling Meadows Drive from Corral Road. She drove the back wheels of the bus off the roadway, causing it to hit a culvert. The HCSO said this caused the bus to rock and it knocked Miles out of her seat and into the interior step area of the exit.
HCSO said the bus, “now without a driver,” continued moving through the yard at 4852 Rolling Meadows Drive. It came to a rest at 4846 Rolling Meadows Drive, where it hit the house and a trailer.
Authorities said 16 students were on the bus at the time, but HCEMS did not report any injuries.
After everyone was medically cleared, another bus arrived and took the students to the school. The department of education has contacted the parents of the children involved as well.
The HCSO Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate.
SEE PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A bus crashed on its way to school Wednesday morning on Signal Mountain.
The bus was confirmed by Hamilton County Schools as bus 152.
Signal Mountain Middle and High School students were on board.
The driver crashed in the Rolling Meadows Lane neighborhood.
The accident was minor, and all passengers are safe.
At this time, only one child is reporting a minor injury.
Once the students were deemed safe, another bus took them to school.
