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Crash involving school bus leaves one dead

The crash took place on Tachie Road near Fort St. James

Flavio NienowLakes District News

At approximately 4 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2016, a two-vehicle crash involving a school bus and pick up truck took place on Tachie Road at the intersection of Chalet Drive, just north of Fort St. James.

According to corporal Madonna Saunderson with the RCMP, the pick up truck slipped through an intersection and collided with the school bus. The driver of the pick up truck was ejected from the car and died at the scene.

Saunderson said the pick up truck driver was likely not wearing a seat belt. The name of the driver is not being released at this time.

There were 18 students on the bus travelling. Two were sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

According to the Nechako Lakes school district, the bus was taking students home back to Tachie Reserve after a school day. Counsellors are now attending to the Tl’azt’en First Nation community and David Hoy Elementary in Fort St. James to debrief students on the incident.

Police have spoken with witnesses and any other witnesses should contact the RCMP.

Saunderson said the road was “very slippery” that day. The investigation is still ongoing.