News Driver, 12 students escape injury in VS bus accident

Twelve Vinton-Shellsburg students and their bus driver escaped serious injury in an accident south of Vinton on Thursday evening. 

Benton County Sheriff Randy Forsyth said 12 students were on the bus when it collided with a trailer pulled by a pick-up on Highway 218 (24th Avenue) near the intersection of 24th and 65th Street.

Deputies continue to investigate the accident. The Vinton Fire Department, Shellsburg First Responders and North Benton Ambulance also responded to the scene. 

"This afternoon, during the hard rain, we had a bus involved in an accident," VS Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock said. "There were 12 students on the bus and all of their parents were contacted.  One may be transported by ambulance but does not have serious injuries. The driver of the other vehicle seems to be uninjured." 

The superintendent said she and the district are "very appreciative of the fast response by our local emergency and law enforcement people as well as the response of our driver and Transportation Director Keith McGowan."