County manager: School bus driver dies in collision with another school bus

Two school buses collided in Sullivan County Monday afternoon, resulting in the death of one the drivers, according to Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek.

It happened on Route 52 in Jeffersonville.

The sheriff's office says the mini school bus crossed the double yellow line and crashed with the larger bus.

Inside the full-size bus was a bus monitor and a driver. News 12 was also told the mini school bus was carrying a driver and two children.

Police say the driver of the minibus was flown to Westchester Medical Center. It was not immediately clear if that was the driver who died.

Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek issued the following statement:

Today’s accident between two school vehicles left us shocked and saddened, and Sullivan County extends deep condolences to the family of the driver who died from the crash. Our hearts also reach out to the young children and their families, who are enduring the trauma of surviving a serious accident and the many associated injuries, both physical and emotional.

We appreciate our local school officials for their collaboration, and we thank our first responders - including our Sheriff’s Office, 911 Center and Public Safety Division – for capably undertaking a challenging rescue to extricate victims from the smashed vehicles. A scene involving injured children is among the most difficult to handle, and we are grateful to be served by these firefighters, EMS workers, police officers and dispatchers.

Reaction to the accident poured in from members of the community on Facebook.

Cathy Kovaleski left a comment saying, "This is terrible. My condolences to the family."

"Thoughts and prayers to all your family," Patricia Biedinger said in another comment.

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