UPDATED: Teen charged after car hits North Stonington school bus

John Penney, The Day, New London, Conn.
·1 min read

Jan. 22—NORTH STONINGTON — A 19-year-old driver was issued an infraction Monday after colliding head-on with a bus full of elementary school students, state police said.

North Stonington Deputy Fire Chief Joe Cassata said his department was dispatched at approximately 8:30 a.m. for a report of a crash in front of the North Stonington Elementary School on Route 2.

According to a state police accident summary, an eastbound Volvo S80 sedan driven by Brandon Collard, of 1 Pinecrest Road, North Stonington, crossed into the opposite lane, striking the stopped bus.

Collard, who suffered minor injuries and was issued an infraction for failing to stay in his lane, told police sun glare had blinded him as he was driving.

Cassata said five students and the school bus driver, Marian Buchanan, 66, were taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

Superintendent Troy Hopkins said 22 elementary school students were on the bus. He said some students suffered "bumped heads" and were evaluated as a precaution, while others were picked up by parents or cleared to attend classes.

In addition to North Stonington, emergency crews from Mystic River, Westerly, Stonington, Pawcatuck and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal department responded.