Tractor Trailer Slammed Into School Bus, Injuring 16 Minors
On Saturday, November 12, a tractor-trailer crashed into a school bus carrying a high school hockey team in Warsaw, Indiana, seriously injuring at least three teenagers from Ignatius College Prep. The victims were on their way to a hockey tournament. However, the bus was hit by the truck at the intersection of U.S 30 and Center Street, in and out of other lanes that ran a red light.
According to reports from the Warsaw Police Department, the bus in the crash was carrying players from the JV hockey team from Saint Ignatius College Prep High School, located 120 miles southwest of Chicago. When the crash occurred, 26 people were on the school bus, including 23 students, two coaches, and the bus driver. Sixteen were injured.
The ages of the high school hockey players ranged from 14 to 17, but most were 15, police said. They were heading to a hotel when the accident occurred.
Three of the Hockey Team Players Were Seriously Injured
Two of the students who suffered critical injuries were rushed to Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital, while another hockey team member was taken by ambulance to Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the school confirmed that three students had undergone surgeries after being deemed in critical condition. The Warsaw Police Department wrote on Facebook that at least one student had been ejected from the bus after the collision.
What Happened to the Semi-truck Driver?
Police officers received reports that the semi-truck was swerving, even going off the roadway, and began to give chase.
However, the truck driver didn’t stop. Even after crashing into the school bus, the tractor-trailer continued until coming to rest in a stitch.
Eyewitnesses and footage recovered from a nearby surveillance camera showed the semi-truck driver was speeding and had run a red light just seconds before crashing into the school bus in its gear as it was making a turn.
Driver Arrested After Semi-Truck Hit the Bus, Warsaw Police Department Said
Police officers revealed that the semi-truck driver had been arrested at the scene after they detected a “strong odor” of alcohol on him and the vehicle’s cabin. According to the police report, the driver had slurred speech and did not pass the sobriety tests. When asked to consent to a chemical test, he refused, police added. However, officers requested a search warrant to authorize hospital staff members to take a blood draw for official testing.
Who Was Responsible for the Accident?
The Warsaw police identified the driver as Victor Santos, a 58-year-old from New York. He was reportedly operating a truck registered in New Jersey. Santos faces felony charges for operating while intoxicated and causing serious bodily injury, Warsaw police confirmed.
What to Do When a Serious Bus Accident Like This Occurs
Regardless of how and why it occurs, a motor vehicle accident can be devastating for both victims and their relatives. At Ehline Law, we understand how much it can impact the lives of those involved. Therefore, we offer legal advice with free consultations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help those affected by others’ misbehavior seek the justice and compensation they deserve.
Stopping at a red light can prevent unfortunate accidents. If you or a family member has been injured by someone who failed to comply with this driving rule, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
