May 20, 2008 – Pa. Bus Crash Injures Students, Principal

Three people remain in the hospital today after a tour bus crashed yesterday afternoon near Gettysburg, Pa.

Police say at least six people were treated for injuries after a tour bus lost control and rolled onto its side.

The bus, which was carrying 36 students and 9 chaperones, was returning home from a field trip to Washington, D.C. when it crashed. All of the students are in fair condition or better, according to hospital officials.

The 74-year-old bus driver, Philip J. Wagaman, and the school’s assistant principal, Carol Bower, were transported to a local hospital and are reported to be in fair condition.

State police said the driver’s side front tire blew out, causing the bus to careen across the road and strike an embankment before overturning.

Police, who are conducting an inspection of the tour bus, said the bus company may be held responsible for the crash if it violated state inspection code.