Deland, FL : Semitruck driver may be charged in DeLand crash involving school bus on May 9th 2014

Four people were taken to the hospital after a crash involving a school bus, a semitrailer and a Toyota four-door vehicle.

Around 2:15 p.m. Friday, the school bus traveling on State Road 44 stopped to let out children, forcing traffic on both sides of the road to come to a stop, according to Florida Highway Patrol officials.

The driver of the semitrailer tried to stop and attempted to pull onto the shoulder when he realized he couldn't fully stop, FHP officials said. The semitrailer clipped the blue Toyota four-door vehicle, sending it across the roadway and in front of the school bus, which was barely moving at the time.

The driver of the Toyota was airlifted to Halifax Medical Center in critical condition. The semitrailer driver was transported to the hospital by paramedics, officials said.

Volusia County Public Schools spokeswoman Nancy Wait said 14 Woodward Avenue Elementary students were on board, along with a driver and one bus monitor.

Two students complained of minor pain. One was taken to the hospital to be examined and the other student was examined by paramedics on scene, officials said.

Witnesses said the driver of the semitrailer, who FHP identified as 31-year-old Jorge Ruiz, was driving recklessly before the crash. FHP officials said charges against Ruiz are pending.

State Road 44 remains closed Friday evening. Drivers should seek alternate routes.

Source :
FHP: Semitruck, school bus with 14 children involved in crash