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A school bus driver is facing charges after a fiery collision with a minivan in St. Clair Township, near Sarnia. Students were on board at the time of the crash.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded just before 7 a.m. Friday morning to the intersection of Plank Road and Lasalle Line. According to a police media release issued Monday afternoon, both vehicles became engulfed in flames following the impact.
Fortunately, all students aboard the bus were able to exit safely before the fire spread. The driver of the minivan also escaped the vehicle.
The minivan driver was transported to hospital by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. One student sustained minor injuries and received a medical assessment at the scene.
“We were very fortunate that there were no serious injuries at this call for either vehicles or the students as well,” said Richard Boyes, the township’s director of emergency services and fire chief.
Following their investigation, police charged the school bus driver, a 68-year-old from Petrolia, under the Highway Traffic Act with failing to yield to traffic.
What Families Should Know After a School Bus Collision
Accidents involving school buses raise unique concerns for parents and families throughout St. Clair Township and other surrounding communities in Lambton County. When children are passengers, even minor collisions can cause trauma and injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
School bus crashes often involve multiple parties. The investigation may examine driver conduct, vehicle maintenance records, traffic conditions, and compliance with provincial safety regulations.
Parents trust school buses to transport their children safely. When negligence causes an accident that harms a child, families may have the right to seek justice and compensation through a personal injury claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a School Bus Crash?
Because school bus accidents can be the result of multiple factors, several parties could potentially be held responsible for any damages:
- School Board: The school board is responsible for ensuring student safety from the moment children board the bus until they step off at the end of the day. Even when an outside company provides buses and drivers, the school board may still be held liable because it has authority over that company and responsibility for the children.
- School Bus Company: Transportation companies hired by school boards must follow all laws and regulations regarding school bus standards, driver training, and vehicle maintenance. School buses must be in compliance with the Highway Traffic Act, Motor Vehicle Transport Act, Public Vehicles Act, and other provincial legislation.
- Bus Driver: When a driver acts negligently by speeding, failing to yield, or engaging in any other reckless behaviour, both the driver and their employer could be held liable for resulting damages.
- Third-Party Driver: If another motorist causes the collision through negligent actions, that driver may be held liable for any injuries that result.
- School Bus Manufacturer: If a defective part caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the bus or that component could potentially be held liable. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to produce products that do not harm consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Bus Crashes
Who may be liable when a school bus driver fails to yield and causes a collision?
Multiple parties may be liable, including the bus driver, the transportation company, the school board, or other third parties depending on the circumstances. A thorough investigation will review driver statements, eye witness accounts, any available video footage, applicable traffic laws, driver background and training, and vehicle maintenance.
Can parents pursue compensation if their child was injured on a school bus?
Yes. Families may have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy, pain and suffering, and other damages. Working with a knowledgeable injury lawyer ensures that all responsible parties are identified and legal deadlines are met.
What should families do after a school bus accident?
Seek medical attention for your child immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Document any visible injuries with photographs, request a copy of the police report, and speak with an experienced injury lawyer who understands school transportation liability and provincial regulations.
Are school bus operators held to higher safety standards?
School bus drivers are required to follow strict safety protocols under provincial law. They must complete specialised training, hold the appropriate licence class, and operate with due care for the safety of student passengers and other road users.
Contact Our Trusted Law Firm for Help
If your child or a loved one was injured in a crash involving a school bus or any commercial vehicle in Windsor, Ontario, you deserve a law firm you can trust. At Greg Monforton & Partners, we help victims injured by the negligence of other drivers every day. We have extensive experience managing complex cases — like school bus accidents — and a proven history of getting results.
When we represent you, we take immediate steps to investigate the accident to determine all parties who should be held liable. We are deeply committed to holding at fault parties accountable and securing the compensation you need and deserve.
Our knowledgeable auto accident lawyers offer free consultations, and there are no upfront fees – you only pay if we recover compensation on your behalf.
Call Greg Monforton & Partners to request a FREE case review today. (866) 320-4770
