SPENCER TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Six high school students were injured Monday afternoon when a school bus crashed into a tree after the driver experienced a medical emergency. The incident occurred around 3:11 p.m. on Lincoln Lake Road, just north of 17 Mile Road, near Greenville.
According to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Public Schools bus was headed north when the driver suffered a medical issue, causing the vehicle to veer off the road. The bus then entered a ditch before crashing into a tree. At the time of the crash, there were 13 students on board.
Of the six students who sustained injuries, two were transported to nearby hospitals. The bus driver, whose condition remains unknown, was also taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Students’ Quick Action Helps Prevent Further Harm
In the aftermath of the crash, several students acted quickly, following the emergency procedures they had practiced during previous drills. Elijah Turner, one of the students on the bus, recalled the chaotic moment when the bus hit the tree and began filling with smoke.
“I looked up, and we were headed for a tree. We hit the tree, and the bus started smoking,” Turner said. “A classmate of mine took charge, opened up the bus, and we got all the kids out. We helped the bus driver out and called 911. We’ve had plenty of drills, and our bus driver taught us well.”
Elijah’s quick thinking, along with the actions of his classmates, were crucial in ensuring the safety of the other students and the bus driver. The group’s ability to stay calm and act decisively in the face of danger has been praised by their families and local authorities.
Family Reactions and Community Support
Parents of the students were notified of the crash via text message, followed by a phone call from the school administration. Many rushed to the scene as soon as they heard the news, some overwhelmed with emotion.
“All the blood leaves your body, and you get all nervous,” said Tom Turner, Elijah’s father. “For any parent, your heart just melts. I had tears in my eyes and hugged him and said, ‘Glad you’re okay, my boy.’”
Elijah Turner was one of the two students who were transported to a hospital for medical evaluation. After reporting neck pain, he was sent to Helen Devos Children’s Hospital for a CT scan, which fortunately showed no significant injuries to his neck. However, he was diagnosed with a concussion and suffered from a severe migraine.
The family expressed gratitude for the medical care provided, both at the crash site and in the hospital. Tom Turner emphasized the efficient and compassionate response they received from the first responders, emergency medical teams, and the staff at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital.
Continued Investigation and Updates
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the driver’s medical emergency, the Greenville Public Schools district has commended the students and staff for their preparedness and teamwork during the emergency. The school has vowed to provide additional support to the students and families affected by the incident.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the vital role of quick thinking and teamwork in preventing further harm during accidents.
