As many of you have heard via various media and social media outlets, there was a school bus accident involving an Elkhorn Valley School’s bus and a gravel truck. Here are the facts we can share at this time.
During the afternoon route on Friday, October 30, our school bus was headed east on County Road 834 south of Meadow Grove. The bus was crossing the intersection of County Road 834 and 539th Ave (the blacktop road south of Meadow Grove) and was struck on the passenger side by a gravel truck that was headed North on 539th Ave. There were six people on the school bus – five students and the driver. One of the students was released to a parent after it was determined that no injuries needed immediate medical attention. Three students were taken by ambulance to the Boone County Health Center in Albion where they were evaluated, treated and released later that evening. One student was transported by ambulance to the emergency room at Faith Health in Norfolk. She was evaluated and transferred to UNMC in Omaha later that evening. At the writing of this post, she is still receiving care at UNMC for her injuries. Our bus driver was also taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Faith Health in Norfolk. He was treated and released that evening.
We appreciated the quick response of the EMS personnel from the various towns’ fire and rescue squads, along with the Madison County Sheriff’s department. Numerous areas farmers also arrived on the scene to offer assistance. Their efforts to secure the scene and provide on scene care are invaluable resources for rural communities. We are working with the Madison County Sheriff’s department as they complete their investigation and report about the accident. We are also reviewing the situation.
The thoughts, prayers and well wishes of the entire EV family are with our students and their families as they recover from this accident. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not be releasing additional information at this time.