Three Injured After Vehicle Rear-Ends Verndale School Bus

A 16-year-old girl and two passengers were injured Thursday morning after their vehicle collided with a Verndale School District bus in Wadena Township. The Wadena County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies responded to the crash just before 8:00 a.m. on March 27 along the 14000 block of 120th Street, east of Verndale. Upon arrival, they found a 2013 Chevrolet Impala, driven by the 16-year-old, had crashed into the rear of the stopped school bus. Two other juveniles, ages 15 and 9, were passengers in the Impala. The Verndale Fire Department extricated the occupants from the Impala. The driver and one passenger were transported to Astera Health with non-life-threatening injuries. The school bus was stationary, picking up students, when the Impala crested a hill and struck it from behind. Investigators believe sun glare may have been a contributing factor. No students were boarding at the time of the crash. Approximately 20 students were on the bus during the incident. Another bus arrived to transport them to Verndale Public School, where they were evaluated. One student was later taken to the hospital by private vehicle for minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol. Assistance at the scene was provided by the Verndale Fire Department, Verndale School District staff, Astera Health EMS, and Premier Towing of Wadena.