The News & Observer
WILSON’S MILLS, N.C. — Thirteen people were taken to three area hospitals Wednesday morning after a tractor-trailer rear-ended a school bus on U.S. 70 in Johnston County, officials said.
The incident happened about 7 a.m. near the highway’s intersection with Uzzle Industrial Drive, officials said. The 18-wheeler’s driver, Kenneth Greene II, was hospitalized in critical condition, while 11 students were treated for minor injuries, according to authorities.
The truck collided with the bus as the bus slowed to pick up a student. Twelve students were aboard at the time, according to the Wilson’s Mills Police Department.
Seven students were taken to hospitals by EMS, along with the drivers of both the bus and truck, while other students were hospitalized later. The bus, number 63, was transporting students to Smithfield Middle School.
Officials said students received only minor injuries, and the last student was expected to leave the hospital Wednesday afternoon. The injured were taken to WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh and Johnston County Medical Centers in Smithfield and Clayton.
The front of the tractor-trailer was caved in by the accident. Don Basinger, owner of D&J Cycle Center on the corner, said the left rear corner of the bus was damaged.
Wilson’s Mills police are still investigating the accident and say they could bring charges against the truck driver.