ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. — Fourteen children were injured Wednesday morning when their school bus crashed on the way to Pungoteague Elementary School, according to Virginia State Police.
The crash happened on Pungoteague Road after the driver experienced a medical emergency, police said. The bus then went off the roadway and into a ditch before crashing into a pole.
Fourteen of the 25 children on board were taken to a local hospital. They all ranged in age from 5 to 10 years old.
The bus driver, Robert Sylvester Walker, age 66, was transported from the scene. He has been charged with reckless driving/failing to maintain proper control, police said.
News 3 reached out to state police and asked how a crash caused by a medical emergency can lead to charges against the driver. Authorities said that they couldn't go into specifics for privacy reasons, but say the medical condition was “Something that could have been avoided or could have stopped the bus.”
A statement from the superintendent was received on Wednesday as well saying...
"An unfortunate incident occurred this morning with one of our school buses which is currently under investigation. My primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our students and staff. The situation is still fluid, so I have no further comment at this time,"
The road was closed and VDOT set up detours.
