Maine Crash Included 2 Vehicles and a Stopped School Bus

A chain-reaction crash in Belgrade included two vehicles and a school bus with kids onboard.

Where Was the Crash?

Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss says the crash happened just before 3:00 Tuesday afternoon on Smithfield Road in Belgrade. At the time of the crash, police say the school bus was stopped on the southbound side of Route 8 near the intersection of Arcadia Cove Road, letting children off the bus with its stop lights activated.

What Happened?

The chain reaction crash began when a Dodge Grand Caravan, driven by 24-year-old Michael Grier, Jr. of Belgrade rear-ended a Ford Fusion, operated by 45-year-old Kristen Carlson of Belgrade. Carlson was legally stopped behind the bus when her vehicle was struck from behind by the van, forcing her vehicle into the rear of the bus, where it became wedged.

Was Anyone Hurt in the Crash?

Officials say the occupants of the Ford Fusion were transported to the hospital for evaluation and were later released. The driver and passenger of the Grand Caravan were not hurt in the crash. There were six children and one driver on the bus, who were all assessed by rescue personnel and medically cleared. All of the children's parents were notified by school district staff members.