Worcester, MA (June 18, 2010) - On Friday June 18, 2010 at approximately 8:40 AM Worcester Police responded to a four car accident at Palm and Grafton Streets which involved a school bus, a WRTA bus, a passenger car and a parked car. Upon the officers arrival they observed a 2004 Toyota Corolla with extensive damage next to an SUV which was parked and unoccupied at the time of the collision. The parked SUV received extensive damage to the front of the vehicle.

According to witnesses, the school bus was pulling out of Palm Street onto Grafton Street into the path of the Toyota. As a result, the Toyota swerved to avoid hitting the bus; the car did lightly strike the bus and then proceeded out of control into the driver's rear quarter of a 2010 WRTA bus. The Toyota then proceeded into the parked SUV. Both the SUV and the Toyota received extensive damage while the WRTA bus received substantial damage but was able to operate under its own power. The school bus received minor damage.

The operator of the Toyota and a passenger were taken to a nearby hospital and they were treated for their minor wounds and released. The school bus had two passengers; an 18 month old and a 2 year old who were unhurt. The mothers of the children were called to the scene and picked the children up. The operators of both buses were unhurt. The WRTA bus had 6 passengers onboard and they were also unhurt.

The Worcester Police Traffic Division responded to the scene and is now investigating this incident. Both buses were taken to a nearby vacant lot for mechanical inspections as part of the investigation process. During this investigation the school bus was found to have defective equipment with the steering system. The company, AA Transportation, was cited for defective equipment. The operator of the school bus, Ms. Tessa Dubois of Northbridge was cited for Failure to Yield Right of Way to Oncoming Traffic While Making a Left Turn.

This investigation is ongoing. There is no additional information to be released at this time.