The investigation into a school bus crash this morning in Alexander County is continuing. The Highway Patrol is reporting that one student who was taken to a hospital is listed in critical condition. As we reported from the scene this morning, 13 of the 19 students aboard bus 159 enroute to West Alexander Middle School were taken to area hospitals. The driver was also transported for medical treatment.
The crash happened shortly after 7:30 am on Icard Ridge Road. According to the troopers investigating the accident, the bus was about 500 yards from the entrance to the school traveling north. A passenger car was heading south when the two vehicles collided. The bus went off the roadway and overturned. The passenger car ended up a short distance away down an embankment.
The driver of the passenger vehicle has been identified as 56-year-old Kimberly Ann Austin, was also taken to Frye Regional Medical Center. She is charged with driving while impaired and driving left of center.
The Highway Patrol is still on the scene at this time.
We will continue to follow the story and provide more details as they become available.