In a disturbing turn of events, a church school bus driver in Indiana was arrested after allegedly driving under the influence with 38 children and four adults aboard during a field trip.
Authorities say the driver’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit when the bus became stuck in mud early Monday morning.
The incident occurred just after 9 a.m. near the intersection of Highway 50 and County Road 300 West, about a mile outside Washington, Indiana… a small town located southwest of Indianapolis.
According to WISH-TV, the students were part of a Washington Catholic Schools outing when their trip took an unexpected and dangerous turn.
Emergency responders from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, Washington City Police, and a local towing company, Craney’s Body Shop, arrived at the scene to assist. Thankfully, all passengers were safely removed from the bus without injuries.
The driver, identified as 55-year-old Steven W. Truelove, was taken to Daviess Community Hospital where a blood alcohol test revealed a BAC of 0.221…nearly triple Indiana’s legal limit of 0.08.
Authorities have since charged Truelove with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He is being held at the Daviess County Jail without bond.
The bus, a 2007 yellow Freightliner, is owned by the Diocese of Evansville. The Diocese issued a statement expressing deep relief that no students or staff were harmed.
“We are grateful for the swift actions of local first responders and thankful that everyone returned to school safely,” the Diocese of Evansville said. “The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.”
As the investigation continues, the shocking case has raised serious concerns over transportation safety in school-related activities… especially when trust is placed in adults responsible for children’s wellbeing.
