Three Louisville, Kentucky, students were hospitalized Wednesday after a motorist struck them as they prepared to board their school bus, apparently after running a red light, reports ABC News and local affiliate WHAS-TV.
Police said the driver of a Cadillac Escalade was following the school bus when the latter came to a stop. The motorist swerved to avoid the bus, drove up on the curb and hit the students.
One student is 9 years old and another is 10. The age of the third student was not listed. Two of the students were in critical condition and the third was in serious condition. A witness described to a reporter helping lift the SUV off of one of the girls, and that she was “in bad shape.”
The driver of the Cadillac was also transported to a local hospital and was in serious condition.
No other students were on board the school bus at the time.
Local residents interviewed by WHAS-TV said the area near the corner of 32nd and Dumesnil is known for high traffic volumes and is a frequent location for red light running.
Jefferson County Public Schools confirmed on Twitter that the students were about board the school bus to Englehard and Dixie elementary schools. The school district also said the school bus had its red lights activated and stop arm extended at the time of the incident.
Police told WHAS-TV that the motorist would at least be charged with driving without insurance or registration. An investigation is ongoing.
