Van Rear-Ends School Bus In Ansonia

Police said a dozen students were taken to Griffin Hospital for evaluation after a bus they were riding on Monday afternoon was rear-ended.

The accident occurred about 12:45 p.m. on Benz Street at its intersection with Prindle Avenue.

Ansonia Police Lt. Andrew Cota said a van rear-ended the bus, Ansonia High School bus #13, as the bus was stopped at the stop sign at the intersection.

There were 12 students on the bus,” Cota said in an e‑mail. There were no obvious injuries but four students complained of pain. All the students were transported to Griffin because they were minors and had to be signed out by a parent.”

The driver of the bus also complained of pain and was taken to Griffin Hospital to be evaluated, Cota said.

The driver of the van was found at fault for the accident and was issued a ticket for following too closely.

Schools Superintendent Carol Merlone on Monday afternoon praised police, firefighters and EMS for responding to the scene quickly. She and several school officials were also on scene after the crash, she said.

Of the students who complained of pain after the accident, Merlone said one student hit his head against a metal bar, and one had a kink in his neck.

I think everybody’s going to be fine,” Merlone said.

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