Electric Cars

A school bus carrying approximately 20 students collided with a tree on Three Degree Road near the community park around 8:30 a.m., according to the Adams Township police chief. The incident resulted in several injuries, with two students and the driver transported from the scene. UPMC hospitals treated seven children who have since been discharged. The driver was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, but their condition remains unknown. Notably, bystanders played a crucial role in assisting the children before emergency services arrived. Mars Area School District ensured all students were evaluated by medical personnel, contacted parents, and provided alternative transportation for those cleared to return to school.

The crash occurred when the bus veered off the road during its Elementary School Route 21 journey. Police Chief Shawn Anglum praised the immediate response of nearby residents and passersby who helped evacuate the children safely. State police assisted in reconstructing the accident and investigating its cause. Despite the severity of the event, no specific details about the driver's experience or the cause of the crash have been released yet.

Mom Kelley Baumgartel witnessed the crash as her son was about to board the bus. She called 911 and rushed to assist, finding that some children had already opened the emergency door. Another parent physically entered the bus to help more kids escape. Baumgartel noted visible injuries among some children and observed that the driver appeared to be in distress. She couldn't access the driver due to how the bus hit the tree but managed to coordinate the safety of the children until more help arrived.

Parents like Kelsey Roche expressed deep concern over such incidents, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their children's safety. Patrick McNulty, another parent, praised Baumgartel's heroic actions while expressing shock at the severity of the crash. He hopes that necessary changes will be made to prevent future accidents. Mars Area School District announced plans to provide social workers at schools on Thursday and Monday for emotional support, especially following this alarming incident.

The district has faced six crashes involving school buses in the past seven years. Four of these were minor with no injuries, while one in 2018 led to charges against a driver later acquitted. In light of this latest crash, where six students were hospitalized and 22 checked out, parents are calling for improved safety measures to protect both students and drivers.

In a recent incident, Kearney Public Schools has issued a warning to families about an emerging phone scam targeting parents and students. The school district reported that around dismissal time, a parent received a call from an unknown number. The caller claimed there had been an accident involving students walking home from school and demanded personal information. Recognizing the red flags, the parent promptly hung up and informed both the school and local authorities. This incident highlights the increasing boldness of scammers who exploit emotional distress to manipulate parents into revealing sensitive information.

A Closer Look at the Incident in Kearney

During the golden afternoon hours as students were leaving school, a concerned parent in Kearney, Nebraska, received a disturbing phone call. An unfamiliar voice on the other end claimed that an accident had occurred while children were walking home. In the background, faint sounds of a young girl crying added to the urgency. The caller asked for the child’s name, a clear sign that this was not a legitimate call. Sensing something was amiss, the parent wisely terminated the call and immediately reached out to the school administration and the Kearney Police Department.

The school district swiftly responded by posting a warning on social media, advising parents to stay vigilant. They emphasized that scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their tactics, often using emotional manipulation to trick parents into sharing personal details or sending money. To protect against such scams, the district recommended several precautionary measures:

• Stay calm and take a moment before reacting.
• Refuse to provide any personal information over the phone.
• Contact the school and your child directly to confirm their safety.
• Report the incident to the police and inform the school authorities.

This proactive approach underscores the school district's commitment to student safety and community awareness. By staying informed and prepared, families can better safeguard themselves against these deceptive practices.

From a journalist's perspective, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of scams. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and caution when faced with unsolicited calls. The quick actions of the parent and the swift response from the school district highlight the effectiveness of immediate communication and vigilance. As technology advances, so do the methods used by scammers, making it crucial for communities to remain alert and united in protecting one another.