NORTH GREENE SCHOOL BUS overturns on Heinold curve
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By Carmen Ensinger
A North Greene school bus on its way back from an eighth grade field trip to the St. Louis overturned outside of Carrollton when an oncoming vehicle crossed the center line on Wednesday, April 29. The driver of the bus took to the ditch to avoid a head-on collision and the bus overturned.
The accident happened around 3:45 p.m. on Highway 67 on a dangerous curve known as Heinold Curve, where numerous accidents have occurred within the last year.
According to a press release from the Illinois State Police, the North Greene school bus was traveling northbound on U.S. 67 when a southbound vehicle crossed the centerline on Heinold curve.
The bus driver took evasive action, leaving the roadway to the right and striking a ditch embankment, which caused the bus to roll on its side.
Eleven students and one staff member were transported by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.
All lanes of U.S. 67 were shut down in both directions following the accident until around 8 p.m.
North Greene Superintendent Jackie Kuchy said the bus was returning from a trip to the Holocaust Museum in St. Louis. There were 39 students on board the bus, 7 staff members and the bus driver.
Within hours of the accident, a notice was posted to social media stating:
“We recognize that when things like this occur that it can be unsettling for students and their families. School counselors and support staff will be available in the coming days for any students who many need assistance.
“If you believe your child would benefit from additional support, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school office so we can get your child connected with services.
“We want to thank our staff and students for working together and supporting one another on scene. In a difficult time like today, North Greene Nation showed up for one another.”
Paraprofessional Amanda Brown was one of the staff on board when the bus overturned and praised everyone involved, especially the students, for pulling together in time of crisis.
“This incident highlighted the exemplary actions of our bus driver, whose prompt response potentially saved numerous lives,” she said. “The students’ demonstration of empathy and kindness towards one another served as a testament to their outstanding character.”
Brown said they were not thinking of themselves, but of their friends.
“Each students exhibited remarkable selflessness, prioritizing their peers’ needs above their own,” she said. “They exemplified exceptional behavior during a crisis.”
Brown also praised those who lent aid after the accident.
“I want to express my profound appreciation to the emergency responders, Boyd Hospital and the compassionate bystanders who provided vital support,” she said. “This experience has reaffirmed my pride in being part of the North Greene Family.”
