Driver of minivan charged over deadly US school bus crash
The driver of a minivan involved in a crash with an Ohio school bus that left one student dead and more than a score of others injured is now facing a criminal charge.
According to Clark County Municipal Court records, 35-year-old Hermanio Joseph of Springfield is charged with fourth-degree vehicular homicide, a felony.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said 52 children from Northwestern Local Schools and a driver were on the bus shortly after 8am on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) when an oncoming minivan veered into its path on Route 41 in Lawrenceville.
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The driver of a minivan has been charged over a fatal school bus crash in the US state of Ohio. AP
Trooper Tyler Ross said the bus veered onto the shoulder but was unable to avoid a collision and overturned.
One student thrown from the bus was pronounced dead at the scene. Twenty-three children were taken to hospitals by emergency medical personnel and others, including parents. One seriously injured student was taken to the local children's hospital, while the injuries of the other 22 children were described non-life-threatening.
Joseph and a passenger in the minivan were also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Northwestern Local Schools, where classes were to begin on Tuesday, cancelled Wednesday and Thursday classes but said grief counsellors would be available at the primary and senior schools for anyone needing support.
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One student died after they were thrown from the school bus. (Bill Lackey/The Springfield News-Sun via AP) AP
Staff members would get training to support students when they return on Friday, officials said.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the families that have been impacted by this tragedy," the school district said on its Facebook page.
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