Prior Lake family devastated after school bus crash

PRIOR LAKE, Minn. (FOX 9) – A Prior Lake family is speaking out after saying their child was on a school bus when he was involved in an accident.

The mother said her child no longer feels comfortable riding the bus and she is waiting for answers from the district.

The mother also tells FOX 9 she understands accidents happen, but hopes the district can respond more quickly to students' needs after an incident like this.

What happened

A parent of a fourth-grader in Prior Lake said it was a call no parent wants to receive.

“When you get that call, your heart definitely sinks,” the Prior Lake parent said. “Suddenly I heard a series of sirens. I knew the bus was late. I look at my phone and there was a private number calling me so I answered and it was a police officer calling me saying my son was in a bus accident and he was fine.

Her son was the only student on the bus at the time last Friday afternoon as it passed near the intersection of Highway 13 and Fish Point Road.

“I struck this pose. I slammed into the seat,” said the fourth-grader who was on the bus.

The family said they were disappointed with the district's response.

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“When I arrived at the scene of the accident, I was a little surprised that the bus staff was already there. The district office was notified before a parent was even informed that their child was in a bus accident,” the parent said. “When I got there the bus driver admitted it was his fault. He ran a red light. He hit a car, and then that car ended up hitting another car.”

She said her son doesn't feel comfortable riding the school bus now and is asking the district for help finding a solution.

“They said they would try to get him a van to pick him up in the morning and I said I would be willing to pick him up after school. “I'm just asking for help in the morning,” the parent said.

What the district says

A spokesperson for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools confirmed that police were at the scene of the bus crash and sent FOX 9 this statement: “We take the safety of our students very seriously and are committed to ensuring their well-being at all times.” Due to privacy concerns We cannot provide any specific information about individual students or personnel matters. Please note that we are working closely with all stakeholders to manage the situation and ensure the continued safety of our students.