The driver of a tractor-trailer who smashed into the side of a bus carrying a hockey team from St. Charles College in Sudbury has been charged.
On Thursday, the St. Charles Cardinals hockey team was returning from the provincial finals in southern Ontario, when there was a very close call.
A transport truck veered into their lane on Highway 69, near the French River, and smashed into the side of the bus.
Team coach Rob Zanatta said the driver managed to keep the bus on the road, even as her window shattered.
“I'm sure she was in shock, but she got us to the side of the road safely,” he said.
“After being covered in glass and some shards in her eye, she did not panic. She steered us to the side of the road and stopped the bus safely.”
Zanatta said the driver, who reportedly works for Tisdale Bus Lines, suffered cuts and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
No one else on the bus was hurt.
Another bus was called in to bring the team the rest of the way home.
Transport driver charged
The driver of the transport, who also sustained minor injuries, has since been charged in relation to the incident, West Parry Sound OPP have reported.OPP said the driver of the tractor-trailer, a 57-year-old man from Owen Sound, has been charged with careless driving.
A careless driving charge under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act is described as a person who drives a vehicle without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for others using the highway. This charge carries a payable fine of $490 and six demerit points on a first offence.
