Video: Speeding semi narrowly misses stopped school bus
Minnesota authorities are searching for a trucker driving a semitrailer on Highway 23 near Paynesville and New London who sped past a stopped school bus, nearly killing a girl standing nearby.
The State Patrol posted a video on YouTube today of the May 30 incident recorded by the school bus camera. The footage shows the semi illegally passing the bus, which has its lights flashing and stop arm down, and then continuing on.
The girl was not harmed, officials said.
Several witnesses called 911 but were unable to provide enough details for authorities to locate the semi, the State Patrol said.
Spokesperson Lt. Eric Roeske said the truck barely missed hitting the student, who was standing slightly back from the road.
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"Thankfully this young girl was not killed, she well could have been because of the carelessness of the semi driver," Roeske said.
Passing a stopped school bus on the right is a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota.
"It's just a reminder that motorists need to be aware of school buses as if they are about to stop to drop off kids in areas that may be unexpected," Roeske said. "They need to pay attention, stay back from those buses."
Officials said anyone with information should call Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Brian Reu at 651-405-6047.