ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. — Fourteen children were hurt after a school bus crashed in Accomack County Wednesday morning, according to the Virginia State Police (VSP).
The crash happened on Pungoteague Road, which is just north of Boggs Road. Investigators believe the bus was going north when the driver had a medical emergency, causing the vehicle to run off the road and into a ditch, striking a power pole.
Fourteen children, ranging from five to 10 years old, and the driver were taken to a hospital to be treated. The bus had 25 children on board and was heading to Pungoteague Elementary School, VSP said.
None of the children are seriously hurt.
An update from VSP shortly before noon said that the driver, identified as 66-year-old Robert S. Walker, has been charged with reckless driving and failing to maintain proper control. The spokeswoman for VSP clarified the driver's medical incident was not severe and he still had the ability to control the bus before crashing.
Dozens of parents of the students on the bus took to social media, expressing their concerns. Some posted on Facebook, saying they brought their kids home, so they can recover both physically and mentally.
The portion of Pungoteague Road is back open to drivers after VDOT and other maintenance crews cleared the scene, including the power lines
W.C. Holland, the superintendent of Accomack County Public Schools, shared the following statement after the crash:
"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."
