Ice sends morning TCU bus into ditch
A bus carrying four students from the Tri-City United School District slid into a ditch early this morning due to an icy patch on a wet road outside of Lonsdale. None of the students were injured.
In an electronic email to district families, Superintendent Matt Helgerson informed parents and guardians of the accident.
He said that Bus #2 on the Lonsdale side of the district encountered slick roadways and unfortunately slid into the ditch. He stated that four students were on this bus at the time, and that he had immediately telephoned their parents to let them know what happened, that their children were alright, and that they had been transported to school.
Due to this incident and the slick conditions, Helgerson added, other buses were re-routed on the Lonsdale side of the district, causing a delay in pick-up times for many students along the Lonsdale Elementary Bus Routes.
He sent out the email to the families in the entire district because so many students were affected by the delay.
He also assured parents and guardians that that Palmer Bus Service, law enforcement and the county maintenance departments are in constant contact on the days when road conditions are difficult.
“This morning was tricky, with many roads being unaffected, while the gravel roads and some intersections were slippery due to last night's rain,” he said. “Palmer Bus Service drivers exercise great care during these difficult travel times. The safety of our students is always the main topic of discussion.”
He also wanted to remind families and students that on mornings where the district is experiencing winter weather, buses may be several minutes late to their bus stops.
“I will continue to work hard to provide information to parents in a timely manner as I receive it from Palmer Bus Service,” he said.