INWOOD, W.Va. — Local law enforcement and school officials say a Musselman High School student struck by a vehicle while crossing Middleway Pike to board a school bus Tuesday morning sustained “non life-threatening injuries.”
WV State Police Martinsburg Detachment Commander Sgt. Lonnie Faircloth said troopers were deployed just after 7 a.m. to the 1500 block of Middleway Pike for a pedestrian struck call.
The trooper talked to the driver of a Volkswagen Passat, Caleb McLee said he was traveling eastbound on Middleway Pike. A school bus traveling westbound was stopping to pick up a student on the south side of the road. “The Berkeley County bus driver of bus #268, activated the hazard lights but had not activated the stop sign or red lights,” according to the trooper’s report.
“Mr. McLee advised he slowed and proceeded which resulted in him striking student, 18 years of age from Inwood, WV, attempting to cross the road whom he was unable to see.”
The investigation continues. The student was transported to Winchester Medical Center with non-life threating injuries.
Berkeley County Sheriff Nathan Harman said although it was the caution lights and not the stop lights, motorists should travel with caution around school buses.
Berkeley County Schools Superintendent Ron Stephens issued a second statement regarding the incident. “I want to pass along my appreciation to the numerous students, staff, families, and community members who have reached out to our schools and central office today to share concern for those who were directly and indirectly involved in the traffic accident this morning. As previously communicated, the student was conscious when transported to the hospital for evaluation, treatment and observation.”
“As a school superintendent and parent, you never want to receive this type of notification no matter the time of day or weather situation. When I arrived at the accident scene this morning, everyone was working together to support all those involved. Of course, the primary concern was the student who had been struck, as well as our student bus riders, our bus driver and the driver of the vehicle. Our students on the bus were outstanding young men and women and quickly moved to a replacement bus for transport to school. Upon arrival at school, these students were met by school administration and support staff. Parents and students, our crisis team and counselors are available for you. If you have a need, please reach out to them,” Stephens continued.
He cautioned the school community and motorists, “We are in the midst of dark, cold, and messy days of winter. If your daily commute has you traveling across the 322 square miles of our school district, please ALWAYS be mindful of students waiting at bus stops and aware of the 300+ school buses on their morning and evening routes.””I want to thank our emergency responders and our transportation team who quickly responded to the scene and provided immediate support and to the state police who are handling the investigation. I recognize that situations involving children leave an imprint on our hearts and minds and are especially hard on everyone which is why the support and cooperation of our crisis team and community is so valued during these situations and the days that follow.”