There were no reported injuries when a car slammed into the rear of a Salem Community High School Bus taking students home around 3:30 Thursday afternoon. The crash occurred in westbound traffic on West Main Street at the Baldridge Road intersection in front of Walmart.
Salem Police say the hood of the car on the vehicle driven by 25-year-old James Powers of Cessna Drive in Centralia ran underneath the rear of the bus deploying the airbag. Powers was able to get out on his own.
Police say the bus was driven by 51-year-old Sherri Paolucci of Briarcroft Drive in Salem.
Salem High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering says there were 13 students on the bus. All of the students were checked by EMS before they were asked to sign a refusal for treatment. Parents picked up nine students at the scene of the crash and four others were taken home by the school.
Another SCHS bus was called to the scene for students to sit while the accident scene was processed.
The Salem Fire Protection District, United Medical Response, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department were also called to the scene to assist. They also helped direct some of the traffic through the Walmart parking lot until the scene could be cleared.
Salem Police have not yet completed reports on the crash. Watch for updates.
