12 students taken to hospital after school bus crash in east Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte-Mecklenburg school bus was involved in a crash Wednesday morning on Independence Boulevard in east Charlotte.

Authorities said two vehicles and the school bus number 1654 were involved in the crash between Hawthorne Lane and Briar Creek Road.

CMS said 14 students, headed toward Collinswood Language Academy, were on board the bus during the accident.

Medic says it took 12 students to the hospital with minor injuries. Two students were put on another school bus and taken to school.

Paramedics also transported two people from one of the vehicles involved to the hospital. The driver of the second vehicle refused transport.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Lt. Luke Sell said despite many people being involved in the crash, everyone managed to remain calm.

"It was fairly calm. I think CFD and Medic personnel did a great job of keeping everyone calm. Scene was under control when I got here and the kids looked very good," Sell said.

The crash forced police to shut down two lanes on Independence Boulevard while crews investigated and cleared the scene. Channel 9 has contacted authorities to find out what caused the crash.

Check back to wsoctv.com for more on this developing story.

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