A mid-day crash on Wednesday involving a school bus and a car resulted in the bus crashing into a utility pole and then into a home, prompting a swift response from local authorities. According to the Durham Police Department, officers were called to the intersection of West Markham Avenue and North Gregson Street around 12:13 p.m.
Witnesses reported that the school bus collided with another vehicle before veering off the road, hitting a power pole and then crashing into a nearby residence. The impact knocked out electricity for hundreds of residents in the area.
Fortunately, no students were on board the bus at the time of the incident. However, both drivers involved were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. No injuries were reported in the home that was struck.
Durham Public Schools Director of Strategic Communications, Crystal Roberts, commented on the situation, stating, “Drivers are paying attention. This was very bad. We are very happy that our bus driver was able to walk away.”
Peter Callejo-Black, a resident near the scene, recounted the moments leading up to the crash. “I was getting out of the shower when I heard a lot of loud bangs,” he said. “Then I heard a sound getting closer and closer until there was a final, huge explosion that shook the whole house. My first hope was that there were no children on the bus.”
Neighbor Mollie Flowe expressed her concerns, saying, “It’s really scary. By the grace of God, someone could have been killed.”
Residents are now calling for discussions on improving safety in the area, with Callejo-Black adding, “I hope this is an opportunity to think about how we can make these neighborhoods a little bit safer.”
Bull City Citizen will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the investigation and community responses.
