One student killed, others injured in school bus crash

HERNDON, Ky. - A bus packed with children overturned within sight of their elementary school Thursday, killing a 5-year-old kindergartner. More than 30 other children were taken to hospitals.

State Police Trooper Chuck Robertson said the bus carrying 47 children apparently ran off the shoulder of the road and the driver overcorrected, sending the bus across both lanes before it overturned.

The kindergartner, Tyler Powers, apparently was ejected from the bus, Christian County Coroner Dorris Lamb said. The others were helped out of the wreckage through emergency exits and the shattered front windshield. Trooper Bryan Pitney.

Tyler had been sitting in the bus next to his brother Lance, a third-grader who wasn't hurt and climbed out an emergency exit.

''He was sitting on the bus with his brother and he didn't have a scratch on him,'' said Carolyn Self, a grief counselor. ''He was very brave.''

Robertson said he did not know how fast the bus was traveling.

The bus could be seen from South Christian Elementary, its intended destination. Counselors were on hand to talk to students and many parents stopped by school to check on their children.

''They're aware that something has happened. We're trying to give them lots of hugs right now and lots of reassurance,'' said Sarah Kranz, director of pupil personnel for the school district.

At least 32 children and the bus driver were taken to area hospitals for treatment, Superintendent Kenneth Shadowen said. Most were treated and released.