School Bus In Crash, Injuring 10

Thu., Dec. 17, 1998

A bus carrying a group of Newport Junior High School students struck a car on State Highway 2 near Elk late Wednesday, injuring 10.

Eight of the students were members of the girls volleyball team, returning from a game between Newport and Reardan.

No one was seriously injured, but eight, including the driver of the car, were transported to area hospitals.

Authorities said the bus hit the car about 7:25 p.m. near the Elk-Chattaroy Road. A deer was found dead at the scene, but it’s unclear if it caused the accident, said Dave Phillips, deputy chief of Spokane County Fire District 4.

Washington State Patrol troopers closed a northbound lane as crews treated injuries along the road. Fire crews “basically tore the car in half” to get to the driver, said Phillips. The unidentified woman suffered neck and back injuries and was transported to Deaconess Medical Center.

The students complained of neck, back and knee injuries. Parents were notified and directed to at least three area hospitals, officials said.

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