By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – An 18-wheeler rear-ended a St. John the Baptist Parish School bus in LaPlace Monday sending the driver and seven of the children aboard to the hospital with minor to moderate injuries, according to a spokesman with State Police.

The accident happened about 3 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 51 and Main Street in LaPlace, said Trooper Melissa Matey, spokesperson for State Police Troop B. She said the bus was transporting students from Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School in LaPlace.

Matey said the school bus, driven by Pearl Magee, 67, of LaPlace, was heading northbound on U.S. 51 in the right lane when it slowed to attempt a turn onto Main Street. As the bus was making the turn the 18-wheeler, driven by Michael Stewart, 50, of Zachary, ran into the back of the bus. The 18-wheeler was empty at the time of the crash. The impact pushed the bus into a grassy field near the intersection.

Matey said 21 children ages 5 to 14 were aboard the bus. She said four were taken to Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner with moderate injuries, two were taken to St. James Hospital in Lutcher with minor injuries and one was taken to River Parishes hospital in LaPlace with minor injuries. Magee was also taken to River Parishes Hospital with minor injuries. The injuries ranged from cuts and scrapes to broken bones, Matey said. The remaining students had no medical complaints on the scene, but parents were advised to take them to St. James Hospital as a precaution, said Matey.

St. John Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. Courtney Millet said Tuesday that Magee and all students admitted to the hospital were released Monday evening. She said parish school officials remained at the hospital to speak with parents until all children were released.

  “We are just thankful that no one involved was severely injured in the accident,” Millet said. “It certainly could have been a lot worse.”

As a result of the crash, Stewart was charged with careless operation negligent injuring.

Matey said a State Police inspection unit was on the scene inspecting the 18-wheeler for other possible violations and said more charges could be filed.

Parts of Main Street were closed for brief periods following the crash, which is still under investigation.