SUV-bus accident in town of Bennett sends two to hospital

A sport utility vehicle rear-ended a Solon Springs school bus Friday morning on County Highway L in the town of Bennett, sending the SUV driver and one student to the hospital.

The eastbound bus stopped at the railroad tracks when a Chevy S-10 Blazer came over the hill behind it, according to Douglas County Chief Deputy Jerry Moe. He said the sun blinded the driver, and he ran into the back of the school bus around 7:27 a.m.

The 36-year-old man driving the Blazer, and a 15-year-old girl riding the bus, were transported to Twin Ports hospitals by Gold Cross Ambulance, Moe said.

All of the 15 students on the bus at the time of the accident were checked at the scene, said Sue Chandler, principal of Solon Spring School. She said the 15-year-old was transported as a precautionary measure. She returned to school Monday, Chandler said.

Solon Springs School District Transportation Director Mark Dahlberg was driving the bus, filling in for the regular driver. He was heading back to the school and had about four more students to pick up on the route when the accident occurred.

Dahlberg was able to drive the bus to the school, Chandler said, and the students were only about 10 minutes late.

The Blazer was towed from the accident scene, Moe said, and no citations have been issued at this point.

Along with the sheriff’s department and Gold Cross, the Bennett Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.

Dahlberg said drivers should be aware of school buses. A vehicle that approaches a stopped school bus that is displaying flashing red warning lights must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the bus resumes motion or the warning lights go off, according to Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Failure to do so could result in a fine between $30 and $300.

Superior Telegram

Tags: douglas county, news, updates, auto, education