Edited Nov. 2, 7:45 am
There was good news and bad news in an accident involving a Greene County school bus Friday afternoon. The good news: there were no students on the bus. The bad news: the bus was a total loss.
The accident occurred at 12:11 pm at 280th St and I Ave in Jackson Township. Toresa Beyers, 40, of Churdan was eastbound on 280th St after dropping off the last student. Matthew Hofbauer, 33, of Coon Rapids was northbound on I Ave driving a semi tractor-trailer and grain trailer owned by Gary Fell. At the uncontrolled intersection, Hofbauer’s truck hit the rear tires of the bus, pushing both vehicles into the northeast ditch. The bus slid and tipped onto the driver’s side. Beyers exited the vehicle through the roof hatch.
The rig Hofbauer was driving also went northeast. He struck a tree before coming to rest near the bus.
Both drivers sustained minor injuries. Beyers was taken to Greene County Medical Center for treatment. She must undergo a drug test per school policy. She was cited for failure to yield to the vehicle on the right. The 2007 school bus was estimated to be a total loss.
Hofbauer was cited for driving with a suspended license and failure to have a valid commercial driver’s license. Damage to the 1995 Peterbilt semi-tractor was estimated at $15,000.
