A county school bus filled with children went through a yard and wound up next to a house on Signal Mountain on Wednesday morning. Authorities said the bus driver was knocked off her seat during the incident and the bus was briefly driver-less until winding up at the house.
The Sheriff's Office said at approximately 6:50 a.m., Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 4800 block of Rolling Meadows Drive for the report of a crash involving a school bus.
The preliminary investigation reveals that the bus driver, while trying to navigate a turn onto Rolling Meadows Drive from Corral Road, inadvertently drove the back wheels of the bus off the roadway causing it to hit a culvert. As the bus struck the culvert, the impact rocked the bus and knocked the driver out of her seat into the interior step area of the exit. The bus, now without a driver, continued through the yard of the residence located at 4852 Rolling Meadows until coming to rest at 4846 Rolling Meadows Dr. where it struck the residence and the tow-behind trailer.
Sixteen students were on board the bus at the time of the incident. HCEMS responded and no injuries were reported at the scene.
Upon medical clearance, a different HCDE bus arrived on scene and transported the remaining students to class. HCDE personnel also contacted the parents of the children involved.
The driver of the bus, Margaret Miles, was cited for the seat belt law and failure to exercise due care.
The incident remains under investigation by the HCSO Traffic Unit
Parents were sent this message:
"While on its way to school today, Bus 152 was involved in a minor accident and drove into a ditch while turning a corner on Rolling Meadows. Emergency services are on the scene, and every student is being evaluated.
"All passengers are safe, and at this time, only one child is reporting a minor injury. All parents of children on the bus are being contacted. Once students are checked out, another bus will complete the route to school."
Later, Supt. Justin Robertson said, "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."