A school bus driver has been charged in connection with an accident that seriously injured a seven-year-old girl earlier this week in northwest Iowa. Sac County Sheriff Ken McClure says 56-year-old Carolyn Mortenson was driving the Odebolt-Arthur School District bus that struck the girl shortly after the child stepped off the bus.
Mortenson is charged with leaving the scene of a serious injury accident or failure to render aid. “Iowa law requires, when you’re involved in a personal injury accident, you’re to remain on the scene and render aid until the proper authorities get there,” McClure said. The charge is an aggravated misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in jail.
McClure says Mortenson called 911 and radioed the school for help, but then continued on her route. The girl, who’s name has not been released, was first taken to a Sac City hospital before being airlifted to a hospital in Sioux City with serious injuries. The accident happened Monday afternoon in Odebolt.