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Fatal Fort St. James crash involving school bus

The driver of a pick-up truck is dead after colliding with a school bus near Fort St. James.
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A school bus was involved in an accident north of Fort St. James.

by Flavio Nienow

 

At approximately 4 p.m. on Dec. 14, a two-vehicle crash involving a school bus and pick-up truck took place on Tachie Road at the intersection of Chalet Drive, just north of Fort St. James.

According to Cpl. Madonna Saunderson with the RCMP, the pick up truck slipped through an intersection and collided with the school bus. The driver of the pick up truck was ejected from the car and died at the scene.

Saunderson said the pick-up truck driver was likely not wearing a seat belt. The name of the driver is not being released at this time.

There were 18 students on the bus. Two were sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

According to School District No. 91 (Nechako Lakes), the bus was taking students home back to Tachie Reseve after a school day. On Dec. 15, counsellors were at the Tl'azt'en First Nation community and David Hoy Elementary in Fort St. James speaking with students about the incident.

Police have spoken with witnesses and any other witnesses should contact the RCMP.

Saunderson said the road was "very slippery" that day. The investigation is still ongoing.