ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Two students were struck by a vehicle Thursday morning while waiting for their school bus in Buncombe County, authorities said.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies assisted the North Carolina State Highway Patrol after receiving reports of a crash at about 7:15 a.m. at Bradley Branch Road and Founders Way in the T.C. Roberson district.
An intermediate and a middle school student were waiting at their bus stop when a driver turning into the neighborhood hit them, the sheriff’s office said. Both students were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Officials said the driver initially left the scene but returned a short time later.
Sheriff Quentin Miller, along with patrol deputies and school resource officers, responded to assist at the scene. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
BCSO District 1 Capt. Dustan Auldredge urged motorists to use caution near schools and bus stops.
“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of extreme caution for drivers during morning and afternoon commutes,” Auldredge said in a statement. “It is essential to be vigilant about the presence of children near school bus stops, stopped school buses, and within school speed limit zones. We are grateful that no one was seriously injured in the recent crash. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office will take enforcement action against any driver who passes stopped school buses or exceeds speed limits in designated school zones.”
