After Collision, Truck Burst Into Flames

Truck That Hit School Bus

Ran Red Light, Police Say

By JENNIFER HILL • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

ONEONTA – A pickup truck that caught fire after colliding with an Oneonta City School District mini school bus on Monday, Nov. 26, had run a red light, according to Trooper Aga Dembinska, Troop C public information officer.

Benjamin J. Goodwin, 34, Laurens, was driving the a black 2002 Chevy Silverado pickup northbound on Route 205 when it went through the light at Country Club Road, striking the school bus, Dembinska said. The eastbound bus was in the middle of the intersection.

The truck caught fire, and Goodwin managed to get out of his vehicle before the fire could reach him. It is unfortunate that accidents like these happen, but sadly they do. In some cases, the assistance of a bus accident attorney may be needed (after seeking medical attention), as they can help get victims the compensation they deserve, as well as helping them get their lives back on track. This is never easy for anyone to have to deal with.

Three children ages 5, 7 and 8 were in the school bus and were not injured. The 67-year-old male school bus driver and a 41 year-old female volunteer bus monitor were taken to Fox Hospital after the driver complained of back pain and the woman said her head and shoulder hurt.

An Oneonta Fire Department firefighter at the scene of the accident reported it took them “at least five minutes” to quench the fire. The Chevy truck’s hood had crumpled from the collision’s impact; the front of the school bus sustained damage as well although less severe. Luckily no one was seriously hurt, however, there are some truck accidents can sometimes be fatal, and others could leave those cause in the accidents serious hurt and unable to work and require a long time to recover. If you or someone you know find yourselves in such a situation, you might be interested in looking into someone like these Demas Law Group Truck Accident Lawyers who might be able to help you with your case.

Goodwin was ticketed for running “a steady red light.” He was shaken by the crash but not injured. His father came shortly after the accident to assist him and drive him home. The parents of the children arrived at the scene shortly after being contacted and the children “were then released to them,” Dembinska said.