WILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) — A school bus driver has been cited after police say he ran a red light and crashed into a car Thursday afternoon in Wilmington, leaving six people hospitalized.
The crash happened just before 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of 8th and Washington streets.
According to Wilmington police, a 29-year-old Newark man was driving a school bus when he ignored a red light and collided with a car. Police said four students on the bus, as well as a 39-year-old woman and her 8-year-old daughter in the car, were taken to area hospitals.
Authorities said the students suffered minor injuries. The woman and her daughter are expected to recover.
Brittany Christian was attending a mentor meeting across the street when she rushed to help.
“It could have been a lot worse,” Christian said.
Christian said the Wilmington police officer leading the encounter immediately arrived on the scene and called for additional help.
“He started helping right away,” she said. “He immediately started calling for reinforcements and everyone started rushing in from all directions.”
While firefighters tried to free the stranded driver of the car, Christian said she was left with the young girl.
“She was completely covered in what we thought was her blood,” Christian said. “We pulled up her pant legs to make sure it wasn’t her blood, and then someone said it was her mom’s blood.”
Christian praised the efforts of the first responders, saying they deserve recognition for their quick response.
“Officer Wilson and all the other officers that were there, and all the citizens of the city of Wilmington that came to put their hand on deck, I think they all deserve awards because they are so wonderful,” she said.
The remaining students on the bus went home along with family members who responded to the scene.
Police said the bus driver was issued several traffic police summonses. His identity has not been disclosed.
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