Car collides into bus in Schuylkill

A car collided into a school bus on Tuesday in Schuylkill County. State police at Schuylkill Haven said the accident occurred about 3:39 p.m. along SR209 at the intersection with Tremont St., in the village of Muir, Porter Township. There were no students in the bus at the time of the crash.

Troopers said Brian E. Stoneroad, 36, of Halifax, Dauphin County, was driving a 2000 Dodge Neon southbound and failed to negotiate a slight right hand curve. The car crossed into the northbound lane and collided into a 1998 Chevrolet 17 passenger school bus operated by Bonnie J. Aungst, 49, of Pine Grove. Troopers said Aungst swerved to avoid a collision but the front left corner of the Neon struck the left side of the bus.

After impact the Neon spun about 210 degrees counter-clockwise and slid 90-feet south, coming to rest straddling the northbound lane and shoulder. After impact the bus spun about 180 degrees counter-clockwise and slid 120 feet north coming to rest on the northbound shoulder.

Stoneroad was trapped in his car and had to be extricated by rescue personnel. He was flown by LifeFlight helicopter to the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, for treatment. He had his seat belt on and his airbags were deployed.

Troopers said Aungst was not injured. A passenger in the bus, a school aide, Kimberly A. Ryan, 50, of Pine Grove, was injured and taken by ambulance to the Schuylkill Medical Center-S. Jacskon St., Pottsville, for treatment of moderate injuries, troopers added.

Troopers said Stoneroad will be charged with failing to drive on the right side of the road. It is believed that the bus belongs to the Pine Grove School District.