A Boothbay school bus transporting elementary school students home was involved in a head-on collision on Back Narrows Road in Boothbay the afternoon of Thursday, March 31. (Abigail Adams photo)
A school bus transporting students home from Boothbay Region Elementary and High Schools was involved in a head-on collision on Back Narrows Road in Boothbay at about 2:50 p.m., Thursday, March 31.
Three students and the driver of the SUV that collided with the school bus were transported to LincolnHealth-Miles Campus with minor injuries, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Alan Shea said. There were approximately 12 students on the bus, he said.
The students that were transported to the hospital were treated, released, and in school Friday, April 1, AOS 98 Superintendent Eileen King said.
“Everyone is a little shaken up,” King said. “It was a scary incident to be a part of, but we’re moving forward. The students have a lot of support.”
Lori L. Dishman, 47, of Boothbay, was operating a 2003 Oldsmobile Bravado south on Back Narrows Road when she crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a 2003 Boothbay school bus operated by Robert E. Jacobson, 79, of Boothbay Harbor, according to a press release from Lincoln County Sheriff’s Lt. Rand Maker.
“It was one of those phone calls you never want to receive,” King said. Four AOS 98 administrators were on the scene within five minutes of notification to coordinate communication between the school and families and assist children, King said.
Parents arrived at the scene to collect their children. AOS 98 is releasing a statement to families Friday, April 1 to summarize the incident. King is encouraging families to contact administrators with their questions and concerns.
The bus sustained minor damage and was able to be driven away from the scene. Dishman’s vehicle sustained significant front-end damage and was towed from the scene.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Boothbay Harbor Police Department, Boothbay Fire Department, Boothbay Region Ambulance Service, Wiscasset Ambulance Service, and Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service responded to the scene.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstructionist Sgt. Jason Nein responded to assist with the investigation, which is ongoing, according to the press release. Once the investigation is complete, the sheriff’s office will consult with the District Attorney’s Office to determine if civil or criminal charges are appropriate, according to the press release.
Back Narrows Road was closed to through traffic until about 4:25 p.m., when the scene was cleared.
