Driver and five students sustained minor injuries
A Gilmer County school bus slid down a 20 foot embankment and hit a tree with five Ellijay Elementary School students on board.
The accident occurred at 6:50 a.m. on Whitepath Road near Riverbend.
All five students, ranging in age from 5 to 10 years old, and the driver were transported to various hospitals as a precautionary measure. Gilmer County Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley said the students suffered mostly bumps and bruises.
“We’re just very glad nobody was injured more seriously than they were,” Dr. Ridley said.
The school bus driver was alert and conscious when he was removed from the vehicle.
Gilmer County High School teacher Amy Becker was behind the bus when the accident occurred and stopped to aid the children and driver.
“When I got there, she was in the ambulance with a couple of the little ones, kind of continuing to give them comfort,” Dr. Ridley said. “We’re very proud of Amy.”
No cause was given for the crash. Dr. Ridley said they would be reviewing video of the incident and cooperating with the Georgia State Patrol investigation.