VWCS school bus collides with car

Van Wert OHSP Post news

The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating an injury crash on Van Wert-Willshire Road, at the intersection of Richey Road, southwest of Van Wert on Monday afternoon.

According to investigating troopers, a 2004 Blue Bird school bus driven by Patricia S. Woodruff, 54, of Van Wert, was northbound on Richey Road and failed to yield the right of way to a 2007 Ford Focus operated by Robert L. Roehm, 26, of Rockford, that was headed west on Van Wert-Willshire Road.

The bus continued into the intersection and Roehm’s vehicle struck the side of the bus, with both vehicles coming to rest in the roadway.

The bus was transporting 24 students home from Van Wert Elementary School and the Van Wert High School-Middle School complex and one student was taken by Brickner’s Ambulance Service to Van Wert County Hospital for treatment, while Roehm and a passenger in his car, Amanda A. Roehm, 25, were treated at the scene for minor injuries by Brickner’s Ambulance Service, while all students that remained on scene were treated and subsequently released.

Both the bus driver and the Roehms were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident, and injuries to both occupants of the Ford Focus were minimized by the use of safety belts.

The intersection was closed for approximately an hour to allow for cleanup of the scene. The Patrol was assisted at the scene by Brickner Ambulance Service, Ohio City Volunteer Fire Department, the Van Wert Sheriff’s Office and Van Wert City Schools administrators.