This afternoon, two Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) school buses were involved in accidents. Both accidents caused traffic delays on major roads and were visible to passersby.
Around 2 p.m., Bus 704 was involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle. Seven students who attend the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center were on board at the time of the accident, which occurred at the intersection of Route 227 and U.S. 301. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is investigating the accident. Traffic was rerouted this afternoon as a result of the investigation.
The driver of Bus 704, as well as all students on board, reported no injuries at the scene. However, all were transported to a local medical facility for precautionary evaluation. The parents of all students on board were notified. CCPS staff responded to the scene and provided support.
Charles County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) also responded to the scene. Due to the privacy of all involved, CCPS cannot share additional information about the accident.
Around 2:45 p.m., CCPS received a report that Bus 161 was involved in an accident. There were 17 Thomas Stone High School students on board at the time. The accident reportedly occurred on U.S. 301 in Waldorf, near the area of Substation Road and the JSB Apartments. This accident also caused traffic delays.
All students on board and the bus driver were evaluated for injuries by EMS, with a small number of students reporting minor injuries. All students were either released to their parent/guardian at the scene, or transported home on the bus after it was cleared to resume its route. Administrators from Stone contacted the parent/guardian of all students on the bus. The CCSO is investigating the accident. Due to the privacy of all involved, CCPS cannot share additional information about the accident.
Parents of CCPS students should check their contact information on file with their child’s school. This information is located in all ParentVue accounts. In cases of any emergency, CCPS officials will use this information to contact parents.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).