The Palliser school bus which slid off the road in icy conditions Friday is now in a secure yard. Items left in the bus following the incident will be collected by Palliser staff Tuesday for return to families.
A driver and eight students were on board when the bus was reportedly struck by another vehicle, sending the bus into the ditch where it landed on its side. Police are investigating. The road was slush covered and icy at the time.
Fortunately, the bus driver and eight students onboard at the time suffered only minor injuries. Three were transported to a Calgary hospital for examination, while the driver and others were taken to hospital in Vulcan as a precautionary measure. All were reportedly released by Saturday morning.
Palliser is grateful to all the first responders, the bus driver involved and another bus driver who arrived at the scene immediately after the collision for their work to assist students.
The school division's counselling staff will be offering support to students and their families next week. Tuesday is a professional development day, and students return to classes Wednesday.
During the long weekend, other community resources are available to students who may need support dealing with this incident.
Those resources are:
- Vulcan Regional Victim Services: 403-485-6163
- Vulcan Community Mental Health: 1-877-652-4700
- Distress Line of Southern Alberta (24 hour phone support): 1-888-787-2880
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868