GROTON — A school bus carrying 34 students collided with a car and struck a utility pole Thursday morning, resulting in one student being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. when a school bus operated by Student Transportation of America rear-ended a Volvo sedan that was stopped at the intersection of New London Road and Flanders Road, according to Groton Police Department.
The bus, which was en route to Mystic River Magnet School, veered off the road after the impact, hitting a utility pole and a boulder.
Emergency responders, school administrators, and nurses from the elementary school were quick to assist students and contact their parents.
The Volvo driver was unharmed, but the bus was significantly damaged and had to be towed from the scene.
Another bus and several parents arrived to take the students to school.
Bryan Sanchez-Datiz, the bus driver, received a citation for failing to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
The section of New London Road where the crash occurred was closed for about two hours during the investigation.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash and urge witnesses or those with information to contact the Groton Police Department at 860-441-6712.
