In Howard County, Maryland, on Thursday afternoon, a school bus conveying 19 students from Hammond Middle School in Laurel overturned in the 7300 block of Old Columbia Road around 3:33 p.m.
The bus, traveling northbound, veered off the roadway, as reported by Howard County police.
Described as a "remarkable bus accident" by a school system spokesman, images from WTOP's Nick Iannelli portrayed the bus on its side in a field alongside Old Columbia Road.
Howard County School Bus Overturned
Among the students on board, four were hospitalized, two boys and two girls aged 11 to 14.
According to police, their injuries were not severe, likely involving head impacts during the crash. Although there were no evident or apparent injuries, authorities took precautions to fully examine for potential concussions or more serious conditions.
Howard County police spokesperson Sherry Llewellyn stated, "They may have hit their heads in the crash. There wasn't anybody who had any evident or obvious injuries, but we've had some complaints of back pain or 'I bumped my head,' and we wanted to make sure that those were fully checked out for concussions or anything more serious, and so far, so good."
All other students have been safely reunited with their families, with some receiving on-site treatment.
The bus driver emerged uninjured. While there is no indication of impairment, investigators are assessing whether speed played a role in the incident.
The crash did not involve any other vehicles.
Middle School Students Injured in the School Bus Rollover
The Howard County Police Department in Columbia Maryland, reported a school bus crash involving students from Hammond Middle School prompted gauge for injuries.
Authorities stated that the bus carried a total of 19 students, ranging in age from 11 to 14.
Emergency crews are on the site, and although there are details of several injured children, none are believed to be hurt seriously . There is no information available regarding the particular cause of the crash or the exact number of injured children.
According to a parent of one of the student on the overturned bus, the vehicle was transferring students from Hammond Middle School in Laurel, Maryland.
Following the crash, four students, experiencing back pain and head injuries, were transferred to Johns Hopkins Children's Center, with authorities stating that their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The remaining students received on-site treatment from EMS. Parents were informed of the accident, and students were released to their families as they came to pick them up.
The bus driver, a 31-year-old who was unhurt, is familiar with the route and was not doubted of impairment during the event. This route is considered the normal path for the students' going home. A continuing investigation is underway to regulate the cause of the crash.
Sherry Llewellyn from the Howard County police department expects that the driver may receive an extract as the investigation concludes.
Authorities mentioned that the bus departed from its path in a northerly direction for reasons yet to be determined. The investigation is currently examining the potential involvement of speed in the incident.
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