BUCKINGHAM – During the heavy rains on Tuesday afternoon, a Buckingham County school bus was involved in a single-vehicle accident.

According to an email sent by Corrine N. Geller, Public Relations Director for the Virginia State Police, at 4:18 p.m. on February 26, Virginia State Police Trooper K. D. Nelson was called to the scene of the crash.

“The crash occurred on Route 698 about a mile east of Route 627 in Buckingham County,” reported the email. “A Buckingham County school bus was traveling east on Route 698 when the rear wheels started sliding on the slick, mud-covered, gravel road. The bus ran off the right side of the road, struck the embankment and two trees, and then overturned onto its side across the road.”

The VSP email continued, “None of the students suffered serious injuries. The driver, a 47-year-old female Buckingham resident, was not injured in the crash. No charges will be filed.”

Concluding, the email noted, “Right after the crash, the driver and the students were able to take refuge from the rain and cold temps in a nearby residence. VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) responded to assess the road conditions. The students were a mix of elementary, middle and high school.”

During a conference call on Wednesday afternoon with Dr. Cecil Snead, Superintendent of Buckingham County Public Schools, and Ronnie Palmore, Director of Transportation, Palmore clarified that twelve students and the driver were on the bus at the time of the accident.

According to Palmore, two Buckingham County Rescue Squad units responded and transported three students to Centra Southside Community Hospital; and one child was taken there by a grandparent. He said another child was transported to Martha Jefferson Hospital by a grandparent.

All of the children who went to the hospital were treated and released, said Palmore, adding that there were bumps and bruises but no broken bones or lacerations.

The children ranged in age from a kindergartener to high school students, stated Palmore.

Explaining that three of the older students helped the younger ones out of the back emergency-exit window, Snead shared, “Their instincts kicked-in and they really helped everybody.”

Noting that cell phone service and radio communications were almost non-existent at the scene, Palmore said the driver was finally able to get enough signal on her cell phone to call the bus garage. “Then, we immediately called 9-1-1,” he added.

Subsequently, Palmore, who was on his way to the scene, called a teacher that lives nearby and asked him to go to the scene to make sure no one was trapped and to assess the extent of the accident while assisting the driver and students.

“And Mr. Palmore was able to arrange for shelter for the kids,” said Snead, explaining that after there were no apparent serious injuries, the driver and students were taken to the teacher's residence.

Once the students were at the residence, they were able to contact their parents, said Palmore.

“Those three older students were absolutely wonderful,” he shared. “They helped the younger kids get out of the bus. They calmed the kids down and assisted the driver.”

Palmore added, “We are going to try to do something to recognize their heroism. They really stepped up to the plate and did a wonderful job.”

Noting that he and Palmore surveyed the accident scene on Wednesday morning, Snead stated, “I can't imagine what it was like in the pouring-down rain.” He shared, “I think we are very fortunate that the injuries were minimal.”

When asked about the number of buses that must travel portions of unpaved roads, Palmore said of the 42 buses, there is just one he could think of that doesn't.

He added that when dealing with inclement weather events, the unpaved roads play a major role in having to close schools even though the primary and paved secondary roads may be clear.

Talking about Tuesday's weather conditions, Palmore stressed that although there was plenty of rain there was no ice on the roads.

Palmore shared, “I couldn't be more pleased with how the citizens and the emergency response people performed as far as getting there as quickly as they did and the amount of help that was offered to us at a time of crisis.”

Snead added that the response team included the Virginia State Police, Buckingham County Rescue Squad, Buckingham County Volunteer Fire Department, deputies with the Buckingham Sheriff's Office, and area residents.

Continuing with his expressions of gratitude, Palmore offered, “It was amazing how the parents stepped up at a time like this and stayed calm through the whole ordeal.”

Superintendent Snead offered, “I am in awe of the calmness of the students and how they helped each other and helped the bus driver as well. This is an example of everyone pulling together during a crisis.” He added, “It minimized a lot of fears.”

Offering his appreciation to all who responded, Snead concluded, “We thank everyone for keeping calm and working toward the safety of the kids and bus driver.”