Second driver identified in school bus crash

Published 12:25 pm Friday, January 8, 2016

GETAWAY–– The second driver involved in Tuesday’s school bus crash on State Route 243 that sent 10 to the hospital has been identified as Chance A. Blankenship, 18, of Kitts Hill, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Reports originally indicated that the school bus driver was traveling westbound on State Route 243 when an unknown vehicle in a no passing zone passed it, clouding the roadway with heavy smoke. As a result, the bus drove off the right side of the road landing overturned in a ditch.

Following the Ohio State Highway Patrol crash investigation involving in-bus video recordings and evidence from the scene, the car was identified as a black Ford Fusion. A statement from Blankenship was obtained by the Ohio State Highway Patrol during the investigation confirming he was driving the vehicle. However, Blankenship said he was unaware of the school bus crash at the time he passed.

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The investigation has been forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor Brigham Anderson for review and any prosecution resulting from the incident.