School Bus Crash in Roane County Leaves Two Students Hospitalized, Investigation Underway
A school bus accident in Roane County yesterday morning resulted in two students being hospitalized and an ongoing investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).
The crash occurred just before 8 a.m. on Ponders Gap Road, when the bus, driven by Paul Perrin, 64, veered off the road and struck a tree. Perrin has since been placed on administrative leave as authorities investigate possible driver distraction. THP reported to WATE that Perrin may have been using his cell phone at the time of the crash.
Ninth Judicial District Attorney Russell Johnson emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating “charges could be pending.”
Roane County Schools confirmed that one student was taken to the hospital for evaluation and released later that day, while medical professionals assessed other students onboard.
Investigators will be reviewing footage from the bus’s forward-facing and in-vehicle cameras to determine the cause of the crash. If allegations of cell phone use while driving are proven, Perrin could face legal consequences.
