By Scott Buttram
There were originally thought to be no injuries in what school officials termed a “fender bender” between two Trussville City Schools buses Friday afternoon. City officials later confirmed that one child had been transported to St. Vincent’s East as a precautionary measure, after complaining of neck pains. At least one other child was transported to Children’s Hospital by parents.
The buses involved were numbers 05-05 and 01-12. Both were transporting Hewitt-Trussville Middle School students.
One Trussville City Schools bus hit another from behind at the intersection of Poplar Street and North Chalkville Road. Several emergency vehicles responded and remained on the scene to assist with traffic control and to help parents who arrived pick up their children.
Parents were allowed to take their students with them after showing valid identification to police, fire and school officials on the scene.
Superintendent Pattie Neill said none of the students had any signs of visible injuries, but were invited to be checked by paramedics on the scene if they had any concerns.
Trussville Fire and Rescue Chief Russell Ledbetter said one child was transported to St. Vincent’s East after complaining of neck pain.
“We did transport one child mainly as a precautionary measure,” Ledbetter said.
Ledbetter said several parents picked their children up and signed medical waivers refusing treatment.
According to reports on social media, a child or children were taken by parents to Children’s Hospital. One grandparent confirmed that her grandchild was transported by the parents to Children’s Hospital.
Update at 6:17 p.m: The story was updated with additional information from Chief Russell Ledbetter of Trussville Fire and Rescue and reports from social media.
Update at 8:23 p.m.: The story was updated with information from a grandparent that another child was transported to Children’s Hospital by parents.