School bus crashes near Crooked Lake

WEST ORANGE COUNTY  Florida Highway Patrol reports indicate a crash at 8 a.m. April 5 on Hiawassee Oak Drive involved a school bus carrying about 50 Lake Gem Elementary children.

Bessie Jenkins, 54, of Orlando, was driving the bus west on Hiawassee Oak Drive, less than a mile from the school. She said she had stopped when she noticed both sides of the street had cars parked on them and a car was traveling in the opposite direction with no room to get by.

That other car, driven by Orlando 21-year-old Javanie Bandoo, struck the bus head-on at a low speed. Bandoo said the bus was not visible because of glare from the sun.

Although both drivers were wearing seat belts and uninjured, seven children were transported for medical care with minor injuries: four to Florida Hospital South and four to Florida Hospital Apopka.

This crash remains under investigation with pending charges.

Contact Zak Kerr at [email protected].