HYDE PARK – A school bus accident that sent students and adults to area hospitals on Monday was caused by a bus driver who failed to yield the right-of-way, according to police officials. Both buses were operated by the Hyde Park Central School District.
Hyde Park Police Chief Robert Benson said that a 47-year-old woman was operating a 20 passenger bus exiting Smith Court onto Violet Avenue and failed to yield the right-of-way to another Hyde Park Central School District bus traveling north on Violet Avenue (Route 9G). Smith Court is the entrance and exit to Ralph R. Smith Elementary School.
The second bus operated by a 60-year-old man was rated for 27 passengers. The collision caused the larger bus to roll onto its side. The bus that rolled over was carrying a 74-year-old bus monitor and two students, ages 11 and 12, in addition to the operator.
Te 2:21 p.m. accident shut down Violet Avenue for 90 minutes as first responders from Hyde Park Police, Fairview and Roosevelt Fire Departments, Mobile Life Support Services, State Police, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, State Park Police, and Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response rendered care.
Heavy-duty towing rigs from Brandl’s Towing removed the buses from the accident scene.
Chief Benson said that no tickets were issued at the scene.
