A bus driver in New Mexico was killed after the bus he was in rolled over on the way to drop off various students at a handful of school, including those in Mesa Vista. At least nine children were hurt in the incident.
Various reports stated that bus rolled over on Monday morning on NM 111 near Vallecitos north of Espanola. It went off the road and rolled downhill several times until landing in an embankment.
When authorities arrived on the scene the bus was surrounded in brush. They found Pat Valdez, the driver, 69-year-old driver dead. It is not clear whether the driver died from a medical problem or at the crash.
An aerial video of the accident available online blurs the section where the emergency workers were working on the victims.
At least nine children were injured in the bus wreck, per Rio Arriba Sheriff Department and the New Mexico State Police.
Detectives were on the scene investigating the accident. Authorities closed the road in both directions.
Among the injured, an 8-year old suffered a broken back and was taken to UNMH; a 16-year-old suffered a broken jaw. The other students were taken to the Espanola hospital as a precaution and to get treatment for their injuries.
Students were from various schools: Ojo Caliente Elementary as well as Mesa Vista Middle and Mesa Vista High.
Those investigating are attempting to determine if the bus driver died from a heart attack or simply lost control of the vehicle and crashed.
Bus accidents can happen on almost any road, at almost any moment. These accidents can impact people beyond those at the scene. That means that loved ones, friends, and family are also affected even though they are not at the crash. Children have go through life without a father. Spouses who depend on the other financially might have to get kicked out of their homes and forced to live on the street because they don't have money to live.
In this accident relatives lost and older member of the family who was only trying to work and make a living. And the student that suffered the back injury may never be able to play that sport he or she fantasized about playing because of the physical damage incurred.
It is important to stay alert on the road and follow the laws and safety practices, such as wearing a seat belt and not driving when intoxicated.
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