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Pupils receive minor injuries in bus accident
by Stu Clark, Tipton Conservative · News · May 27, 2016


Five ambulances were dispatched to a school bus-semi truck crash in the West Branch school district at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, May 19, but fortunately there were no serious injuries and only one ambulance was needed for the call in the 2000 block of Delta Avenue, near the intersection of 310th Street.


The Cedar County Sheriff’s office said deputies, Iowa State Patrol troopers, officers with the Iowa Department of Transportation, West Branch police and the West Branch Fire Department responded to the call.

A school bus operated by Amber Stubbs, 30, West Branch, had 19 children on board and was southbound on Delta Avenue when it rear-ended a semi operated by Lance Schiele, 43, West Liberty, which had slowed to turn left into a farm drive.

Deputy Sheriff Jeff Smith said the bus driver could not see the semi slowing to make a turn due to a large cloud of gravel dust.

Smith said all of the children were calm when he arrived and had only minor bumps and bruises. All were removed from the damaged bus and taken to another bus that was brought to the scene.

In a note to parents sent out after the accident, the school district said a “bus was involved in an accident today while transporting students to their homes after school. Fortunately, no students were in need of advanced medical care. First response personnel arrived in minutes. Trained school personnel supported students with emotional needs and minor cuts and bruises. Parents were called and arrived to complete medical release requirements. We are grateful for the assistance of the police, highway patrol and volunteer fire and rescue teams from around the region. We are most grateful that students are safe with no serious injuries. We take great pride and care in transporting our students safely over thousands of miles every year. Thank you.”

The ambulances that were dispatched included one from West Liberty, two from Tipton and two from Johnson county.

Damage to the West Branch school bus, a 2001 International, was estimated at $25,000.

Damage to the 2006 Kenworth tractor was estimated at $10,000.

Stubbs was charged with following too close.

The accident remains under investigation by the Cedar county sheriff’s office and the Iowa State Patrol.