Slippery driving conditions lead to minor school bus mishap

Kelly Lepine photo

Toni Lucas/Chris Davis

A Pincher Creek rural route school bus ended up in the ditch this morning at approximately 7:50 am. It was turning onto Highway 6 from Kerr Road with local students onboard when the accident occurred. There were no injuries.

According to First Student Pincher Creek Location Manager Sharon Roberts icy roads were the major factor in the incident.

"It slid very slowly into the ditch," she said. Instead of being alarmed, she said "The kids apparently thought it was a blast, as only kids can."

"The kids were transferred to another bus that came after the accident."

"Our first priority is the safety of the kids," Roberts continued. She said those not yet picked up were alerted that there was going to be a delay, but the kids made it to school on time.

Due to the size of the vehicle and the angle at which it came to rest, a large tow truck had to be sent to the scene to extricate the bus. It was back at the shop by noon.

Roberts said the bus was driven by a good, experienced driver. "It was very slippery out there." While Roberts was assessing the scene, a sander came by, making the roadway safer for travel.