A concerning incident unfolded in Waupaca County on Tuesday afternoon when a pickup truck collided with the back of a school bus that had students onboard. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported in the crash, which occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Highway 54 and Pine Street in the town of Royalton, according to the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office. The school bus had come to a stop to allow students to get on and off, but the pickup truck failed to stop and struck the rear of the bus. Despite the frightening nature of the accident, the situation could have been much worse, and authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The sheriff’s office provided details about the students who were in the vicinity of the bus at the time of the collision. There were two students who had just stepped off the bus, one student who was in the process of exiting, and another who remained inside the vehicle. Amazingly, none of these children sustained serious injuries, though some minor bumps, bruises, and scratches were reported. Among those affected were three siblings: two 13-year-old twins and their five-year-old sister. Their father, Shane Kreuscher, shared his concerns and relief with NBC 26, expressing gratitude that his children were not more severely harmed. Kreuscher also provided a video and a photo of the crash, which gave a visual perspective on the severity of the impact.
The sheriff’s office has confirmed that no serious injuries were reported, but NBC 26 is working to gather more information about the extent of any lesser injuries that may have occurred. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly in areas where children are present, such as school bus stops. The fact that the truck collided with the bus while it was stopped highlights the need for drivers to remain vigilant and attentive, especially during hours when school buses are likely to be in operation. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are likely examining factors such as speed, driver distraction, and road conditions.
The community in and around Waupaca County is no doubt breathing a collective sigh of relief that this incident did not result in more severe consequences. School buses are designed to be safe, but accidents can still happen, and it is crucial for drivers to exercise extreme caution when approaching stopped school buses. The presence of children getting on and off the bus adds an extra layer of responsibility for drivers to ensure their safety. This incident also underscores the importance of school bus safety protocols, such as the use of stop signs and flashing lights, which are designed to alert drivers to the presence of children.
Shane Kreuscher, the father of the three children involved in the crash, shared his account of the incident with NBC 26. He described how his children had just exited the bus when the truck struck it, and he expressed relief that their injuries were minor. Kreuscher’s video and photo of the crash provide a vivid illustration of the impact and serve as a poignant reminder of how quickly an ordinary day can turn into a dangerous situation. His decision to share this information with the media likely aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving practices, particularly in areas where children are present.
As the investigation continues, the focus will likely remain on determining the cause of the crash and ensuring that measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with information about the crash to come forward, as their insights could be crucial in piecing together the events leading up to the collision. In the meantime, the community is likely coming together to support the families affected by this incident, offering a reminder of the importance of solidarity and mutual support in times of crisis.
In conclusion, this incident in Waupaca County serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that exist on our roads, even in seemingly routine situations. The fact that no serious injuries were reported is a testament to the resilience of the children involved and the safety design of the school bus. However, it also highlights the need for continued vigilance and awareness on the part of drivers, particularly in areas where children are present. As the investigation unfolds, the community will no doubt remain focused on ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future, while also offering support to those affected by this close call.
