According to Wetzel County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Rob Haught, at 7:11 a.m. Wetzel County School Bus # 17 was heading west on W.Va. 7 near the intersection of 7 and W.Va. 20.
A burgundy Chevy Venture van, of which the driver’s name is not being released at this time, was also traveling west behind the school bus. The bus driven by Danny Westfall started to initiate a left turn onto W.Va. 20 to pick up some more students in the Slim Chance Hill area. At the same time the van attempted to pass the bus.
The two vehicles collided, resulting in significant damage to the rear right passenger door of the van and damage to the left front bumper of the bus.
“My kids were perfect,” said Westfall who elaborated that the 19 students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade stayed in their seats and were quiet. The students were transferred to another bus and arrived at New Martinsville School and Magnolia High School safely.
According to Chief Haught there were no injuries to any of the students or to the bus driver, and no one in the van was injured either. For extra assurance the school nurse checked all the students out when they got to the schools.
The bus driver further commended the driver of the van for her concern. After taking a “wild ride”, Westfall said she was right out of her car and over to the bus to see if everyone was alright.
The driver of the van received a citation for improper passing. Also on scene were Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Daugherty and emergency medical service and firefighter units from New Martinsville.