Student OK after bus accident

A student at Braden River Middle School suffered minor injuries Monday afternoon during school dismissal, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report. 

The 11-year-old was evaluated and released on scene after he fell into the path of a bus moving through the school bus loading zone.

Principal Randy Petrilla said the student was standing on the sidewalk when another student rushed to the bus and accidentally bumped into the student with his backpack. The 11-year-old lost his balance and stepped into the path of the bus. The bus hit his backpack, which was attached to his back.

“It was an accident,” Petrilla said, adding he’s glad the student is OK.

Petrilla said Braden River does not plan to change any bus loading plans, at this time. Buses should be in place by 3:45 when students are dismissed, but sometimes they arrive later, like they did yesterday. 

“It usually takes a couple of weeks for the transportation issues to get worked out,” he said. “They’re working on it.”