By Treena Mielke
An early morning collision between a school bus loaded with children and a jeep has resulted in charges being laid against the driver of the jeep for failing to obey a yield sign.
The accident occurred two miles south of Bentley on RR 12 at the intersection of Township Road 402 in Lacombe County.
Sylvan Lake RCMP along with the Bentley Fire Department and Lacombe County Patrol were called to the scene.
A press release from Cpl. James Allemekinders from Sylvan Lake RCMP states police discovered that a Jeep TJ travelling east bound on Twp RD 402 went through a yield sign at which point it was struck by a northbound school bus.
Dust may have been a factor in the accident, said Allemekinders, adding there was a vehicle ahead of the jeep and the accident occurred at a gravel intersection.
There were 17 students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 9 in the bus which was on its way to Lacombe Christian School.
Neither the children nor the bus driver were hurt in the crash.
The driver of the jeep, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, suffered minor injuries, but has been released from hospital.
The names of those involved in the accident are not being released.
The school bus is operated by Prairie Bus Lines.
Failing to obey a yield sign carries a traffic fine of $388.