ASHEBORO NC – A driver and three children are at the hospital this morning after an accident involving a school bus in Davidson County.
According to the NC Highway Patrol the accident occured at around 7:30 AM on Highway 109 near Mount Zion Church Road. Troopers say it appears that a driver crossed the center line and struck a school bus for Uwharrie Charter Academy head on. Seven children were on the bus at the time of the crash, and three of those were taken to the hospital, and are with family at this time. The driver of the passenger car was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Troopers have cleared the scene and Hwy 109 is back open at this time.
No further information was available at the time of publication but we will post more information as it becomes available.
UPDATE (9/22/21 8:15 AM) – This morning we learned more details about yesterday’s accident involving a school bus in Davidson County.
According to Trooper Ned Moultrie with the NC Highway Patrol at 7:29 AM on Sept 21st 2021 troopers responded to Hwy 109 near Mount Zion Church Road in Davidson County for a 2 vehicle accident. Troopers say Charles Thompson of Trinity NC was traveling South on Hwy 109 in a 2014 Lexus when he crossed left of center and side swiped a school bus from Uwharrie Charter Academy that was traveling on its daily route on the northbound side. The collision caused the School Bus to overturn.
Seven elementary aged children as well as the bus driver and an adult monitor were on board the bus at the time of the crash. The adult monitor and 3 children were taken to the hospital as a precaution. “The initial plan was for all the children to be taken to the hospital to be checked out,” said Dr. Sharon S. Castelli, Superintendent of Uwharrie Charter Academy in a phone call this morning. Arriving family members were able to take the rest of the children home.
The adult monitor who was taken to the hospital was released the same day, “He was just shaken up. We still have 2 children at Brenners and hopefully they get to come home soon” said Dr. Castelli. She described all the injuries as non-life threatening saying it was mostly a few cuts and bruises.
Thompson, the driver of the Lexus was transported to Thomasville medical center with serious injuries.Troopers have charged him with driving left of center and unsafe tires.
Dr Sharon S. Castelli, Superintendent of Uwharrie Charter Academy issued the following statement on Facebook yesterday:
I wanted to update each of you regarding a bus accident this morning. Our Elementary School Bus 4, Denton route, was involved in a collision with another vehicle. All families have been contacted and we do have three children and our monitor being treated and will keep you posted. It was the quick action of both Trish and Danny, being focused on the safety of our children, that resulted in our children being quickly taken off the bus. Danny is shaken up and is in the hospital but is doing well. Trish and her daughter are fine and again, her quick action got our children safely out of further harm’s way and off the bus as it was on its side. Please pray for our children that are currently being monitored and treated and for those that are at home with their families as this was a scary event for them as well. It was noted the other driver was at fault. We are also thankful that Davidson County School Transportation Director was on scene with our staff and students until Mr. Wheat could arrive.
Sharon S. Castelli, Ed. D, Superintendent
Again, please keep our staff and families that were involved in this morning’s accident in your thoughts and prayers.
UPDATE (Sept 22nd 2021, 5:45PM) – Dr Sharon S. Castelli, Superintendent of Uwharrie Charter Academy has told us in an e-mail that all the children have been released and are now home.
Photo by: Chris Wheat Uwharrie Charter – Assistant Superintendent