Van Buren school bus collides with horse and buggy, sending one to hospital

KEOSAUQUA — A Van Buren County school bus collided with a horse and buggy last Tuesday morning, sending one person to the hospital.

A news release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office indicated that the collision occurred at 7:56 a.m. near the intersection of Heather Avenue and J40 west of Keosauqua. An occupant of the buggy was transported to the Van Buren County Hospital, and no other injuries were reported.

“Initial investigation concludes that the horse spooked and crossed the centerline into the path of the oncoming school bus,” stated the news release.

Van Buren County Schools Superintendent Jeremy Hissem posted to the school’s Facebook page that there was a collision between a school bus and horse and buggy, and that all 21 students on board, in grades 7-12, appeared to be fine, and would be transported by another bus to the hospital to be checked out.

“All parents are being called ASAP by our team,” Hissem wrote. “The person in the buggy is being transported to the hospital by ambulance. Please keep thoughts and prayers with them.”

Hissem said the bus involved was driven by Steve Duke, and that he appeared to be uninjured as well. In a subsequent post, Hissem reiterated his plea for prayers for the occupants of the buggy.

“I want to say thank you to the first responders, staff at the hospital, sheriff's department and especially our team here at VBC,” Hissem said. “All involved did a fantastic job handling the care and safety of our students and the others involved in the accident. Steve Duke's ability to make a quick decision, very likely saved the lives of the individuals in the horse and buggy.”

Hissem thanked the school’s staff members for reuniting parents and students and for getting the word out as soon as possible.

“Trisha Keim, Mindy Smith, Lisa Stiles, Dave McKinney, Kevin Hervey and Julie Chapuis were all instrumental in helping our students and families this morning,” Hissem said. “Incidents like today are great reminders of why having a local hospital and a team of experts is critical for our community. The entire hospital team was outstanding … nurses, doctors, paramedics and help staff were truly phenomenal.”

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com