School Bus Overturns in Unterallgäu, Injuring Two
In the Unterallgäu district, a school bus veered off the road and overturned, resulting in minor injuries to two individuals.
The incident unfolded near Böhen, after school hours when no students were aboard the vehicle. Only a driver and an additional bus operator remained inside. They managed to extricate themselves from the wreckage and were taken to a hospital for precautionary measures.
Initially, emergency crews were uncertain if anyone else was trapped within the bus, prompting a substantial response from firefighters and paramedics.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a driving error caused the bus to stray onto the shoulder of the road under icy conditions. It then slid down an embankment before toppling over.
The accident caused significant damage to the relatively new electric bus, which police estimate to be worth approximately €300,000.
Detailed Account of the Incident
At approximately 4:35 PM local time, the school bus, operated by a private transportation company, was returning to the depot after completing its daily routes. As it approached the hamlet of Böhen, the vehicle encountered slippery conditions due to winter weather.
According to witnesses, the bus driver lost control while negotiating a slight bend in the road. The vehicle drifted onto the unpaved shoulder, where its tires encountered soft earth. This caused the bus to lurch violently before it slid down a grassy slope and overturned onto its side.
The two occupants managed to free themselves from the wreckage and emerged from the vehicle, shaken but conscious. They alerted nearby residents who called for emergency services.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Within minutes, multiple fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles arrived at the scene. Paramedics immediately tended to the injured driver and bus operator, providing first aid and assessing their condition.
Firefighters cordoned off the area and stabilized the overturned bus to prevent any further movement. They also conducted a thorough search of the vehicle to confirm that no one else was trapped inside.
Meanwhile, police officers interviewed witnesses and examined the scene to gather evidence. They determined that the driver had been the sole operator of the bus and that no passengers were present.
Cause of the Accident
Initial findings indicate that the accident was primarily caused by driver error in combination with adverse road conditions. The driver is suspected of exceeding the safe speed for the slippery pavement, resulting in the loss of control.
Police are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances leading up to the incident, including the driver’s experience and training, as well as any potential mechanical factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Damage Assessment and Impact
The overturned bus sustained extensive damage, particularly to its undercarriage and roof. The vehicle was rendered inoperable and had to be towed from the scene.
Due to the severe damage, the bus is expected to be out of service for an extended period. The transportation company has arranged for alternative transportation for the affected routes.
The accident has also raised concerns about the safety of school buses, especially during winter months. Authorities and school districts are reviewing their policies and procedures to ensure the maximum safety of students and staff.
