Citrus Heights student injured in hit-and-run with school bus

By Sara Beth Williams–
A student has returned to school after being involved in a vehicle versus school bus accident on Monday afternoon.

San Juan Unified School District Director of Communication Raj Rai confirmed Thursday that a student who reported a head injury following a hit-and-run collision between a San Juan Unified School District school bus and another vehicle has since returned to school.

According to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, the collision occurred around 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 at the intersection of Oak Avenue and Fox Hills Drive in Citrus Heights. California Highway Patrol indicated the incident was a “hit and run” involving one other vehicle. The incident is still under investigation.

The bus had six students from Grand Oaks Elementary School on board according to the district. One student reported a head injury and was transported to the hospital for medical care. At the time of the incident, families of students were notified and arrangements were made for student pick-up.

Citrus Heights Police Department confirmed Tuesday that, although officers were on scene, California Highway Patrol was in charge of investigating the incident and always investigates any incident involving school buses.

The speed limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, when a school bus flashes red lights, vehicles must stop, regardless of which direction the vehicle is traveling until the lights stop flashing and children have safely disembarked and crossed the street. Drivers who fail to stop could be subject to fines of up to $1,000 and driver’s license suspension.