Background
On October 19, 2015 at approximately 3:45 p.m. Lethbridge RCMP along with the Coalhurst Fire Department and Lethbridge EMS responded to a two vehicle collision along highway 25 a few kilometers north of Highway 3. A school bus with student passengers was stopped on the edge of the northbound lane of highway 25 allowing a student to disembark. The school bus driver advised the stop sign arm was engaged and warning lights were activated. A second vehicle, a brown mini van, was also heading northbound and rear ended the stopped school bus. Impact to the school bus was to the rear bumper on the drivers side. The brown van sustained significant damage to the front end and in particular to the front passengers side. The brown van ended up in the east ditch and remained on
Although shaken up the students and driver of the bus were not injured as a result of this collision. A female passenger of brown van sustained serious injuries and was taken to the Lethbridge Hospital for treatment. Her injuries are not deemed to be life threatening.
A second school bus was summoned and the students transferred over to take them home. Traffic in the area was disrupted for a short period of time.
The Lethbridge RCMP are investigating the cause of this collision. Charges are pending against the driver of the brown van. Liquor and drugs were not deemed to be factors in this instance.
Update
On October 22, 2015 the Lethbridge RCMP were informed this morning the medical condition of the female passenger who sustained serious injuries changed to life threatening. She was transported to a Calgary Hospital where she passed away last evening. The name of the deceased will not be released. The Lethbridge RCMP can confirm she was in her mid 60’s and from the Picture Butte area. The Calgary Medical Examiners Office is now involved and an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.
The Lethbridge RCMP are continuing with this collision investigation and will determine appropriate charges based on the circumstances including this latest update.
This terrible tragedy should serve as a reminder of the importance of driver awareness and safety on our roads especially during times when our school buses are on the highways picking up and delivering our children.