UPDATE from Lethbridge Regional Police, 4 p.m., Sept. 17:
Lethbridge Regional Police continue to investigate an injury collision after a cyclist was struck by a school bus early this morning.
At approximately 7:37 a.m. police responded to a report that a cyclist had been struck by a Palliser school bus along Whoop Up Drive West in the area of the 2800 block. Investigation determined that the bus, operated by a 35-year-old female, had been travelling eastbound when its right front bumper collided with a 53-year-old female cyclist who was also eastbound. EMS transported the cyclist to hospital for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The victim remains in hospital.
At the time of the collision there was one child on the bus. Neither the child nor the bus driver sustained any injuries. The child was subsequently picked up by her mother and transported to school.
Investigation in the matter is ongoing but sun glare is believed to be a contributing factor.
News from Palliser Regional Schools, 12:30 p.m., Sept. 17:
A school bus from Palliser Regional Schools was involved in a collision with a cyclist near the 2800 block of Whoop Up Drive in West Lethbridge at about 7:30 a.m. today. The school bus had just begun its route on its way to schools in Coalhurst and had one student onboard at the time.
The cyclist was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries. There were no injuries to anyone aboard the bus.
“We are deeply concerned for the well-being of the woman who was injured, as well as for the well-being of our bus driver who was understandably shaken by this situation,” said Superintendent Kevin Gietz.
The school division has school counsellors available to assist should the need arise to support students and staff.
Palliser is waiting for the outcome of the police investigation. Palliser Transportation staff will also be reviewing the situation from a safety standpoint.
The division has made arrangements for a substitute driver for this route for the remainder of the week and will revisit the situation as required.
Palliser is committed to safety on and around our buses It has been an ongoing focus for us and our team of drivers. Our fleet services 60 routes a day and travels about 1.8 million kilometres a year. We’re grateful that these incidents are rare.
“I want to thank the first responders from Lethbridge who, we understand, were incredibly prompt in attending the scene,” Gietz said.
The Lethbridge Regional Police Service news release reads as follows:
Lethbridge Regional Police are investigating an injury collision after a cyclist was struck by a school bus earlier this morning in West Lethbridge.
At approximately 7:30 a.m. a Palliser School bus, operated by a 35-year-old female, was travelling east bound on Whoop Up Drive when it struck a 52-year-old female cyclist who was also travelling eastbound. The collision occurred near the 2800 block. The cyclist was subsequently transported to hospital with undetermined injuries.
Investigation in the matter is ongoing.
There is no further information to release at this time. An update will be provided when possible.