Watch CBS News

SUV Driver Charged In Centreville Crash

CENTREVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- Charges were just filed against the driver who police say caused a serious accident on the Eastern Shore.  A charter bus packed with kindergarteners flipped onto its side.

Mike Hellgren reports the person charged is Carl Trenz Jr., 49, from Stevensville, Md.  They aren't felony charges but traffic violations.  He faces points on his license and fines but no jail time.

The bus was on a field trip to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. when police say the driver of an SUV caused the bus to veer out of control.

Trenz had no comment.

Everyone survived the crash.

A charter bus, carrying 5 and 6-year-olds, crashed into a utility pole and flipped over Thursday morning.

"I knew there was a possibility it could've been my son. So I just called around, called around," said Tyron Wright, victim's father.

"As soon as I got here I found out it was worse than I thought it was," said Justin Tilner, victim's father.

"Our bus hit the brakes so everyone looked," said Brandy Blockston, who saw the accident.  "It was very scary."

Police say the bus driver was swerving to avoid the Volkswagen SUV, which had cut into its path.  They say the driver did nothing wrong.

Seventeen people were injured, including 10 children.

One adult woman was flown to Shock Trauma.

Isaiah, 6, was among those bumped and bruised.

"A lot of stuff was going through my mind. I was just nervous. I wanted everyone to do well," said Tilner.

"I was relieved when I realized that there were no serious injuries. The kids were really calm and the teachers were fantastic," said Dr. Barbara Wheeler, Kent County Superintendent.

Isaiah's mother is the one most seriously injured. The family tells us she is talking, but is still receiving treatment.

The students are in a kindergarten class at Worton Elementary in Kent County.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.