Bus crash on U.S. 40 leaves Somerset man hospitalized

HOPEWELL — A Somerset man is in critical condition at Genesis Hospital following a three-vehicle crash with a West Muskingum school bus on Monday, according to Lt. Russell Pasqualetti, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. near milepost 6 when a Troy Young, of Greenville, South Carolina, drove his gray BMW into the rear end of the 2021 International bus driven by 65-year-old Roy Dalton, of Zanesville.

Neither driver was injured, but Colt Rose, 20, of Somerset, was trapped in the front passenger seat. He was extracted and later transported to Genesis by Falls Township EMS.

There were 22 passengers on the bus, all of whom were uninjured, per the report. Another vehicle, a 2020 Hyundai driven by Peggy Merton, 75, of Lancaster, was also involved in the crash after hitting debris in the road from the BMW.

West Muskingum Superintendent Chad Shawger said the school is praying for Rose's recovery and is thankful that there were no injuries to the bus driver and students involved.

"We appreciate the quick response from all first responders," Shawger said. "Obviously, a bus involved in an accident is always a scary situation for everyone involved. I'm very thankful for our team of administrators and all the drivers that worked together to take care of the students yesterday afternoon."

Hopewell Township Fire and EMS and Falls Township Fire also assisted.

The crash remains under investigation.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Bus crash on U.S. 40 leaves Somerset man hospitalized