Ireton, Iowa — Three people sustained minor injuries late Monday afternoon when a school bus and a pickup truck collided northwest of Ireton.
According to the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, shortly after 4:35 Monday afternoon a 2016 Thomas school bus, from Unity Christian High School and driven by 74-year-old Robert Van Gelder of Alton, was westbound on 420th Street, six miles northwest of Ireton, when the bus crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound 2000 Ford Ranger pickup, driven by 16-year-old Taylor Schmidt of Hawarden.
Following the collision, deputies say the bus entered the south ditch and came to rest on its side in a field. The pickup entered the south ditch and came to rest on its side.
According to authorities, there was one 17-year-old passenger on the bus who reported minor injuries, but declined further medical attention. Deputies say Schmidt and two passengers were taken by the Ireton Ambulance to Hawarden Regional Health for treatment of what officials describe as “minor injuries.”
Deputies estimate $50,000 in damage to the school bus, with about $3,000 damage to the pickup.
Van Gelder was reportedly cited for failure to maintain the proper lane.
The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Ireton Ambulance, Ireton Fire Department, Hawarden Ambulance, Hawarden Police Department, Sioux Center Police Department and Iowa State Patrol.
