Driver Runs From Scene After Crashing Into School Bus In NW OKC

Oklahoma City Police are searching for a driver who ran from the scene after crashing her car into a school bus filled with special needs children.

The crash happened just after 7:30 a.m. at N.W. 89th Street and Classen as the bus was transporting autistic children to North Highland Elementary School. The force of the collision caused the Oklahoma City Public Schools bus to topple onto its side.

Police say immediately after the crash, the driver of the small car that hit the bus jumped out of the vehicle and ran away. According to someone who witnessed the crash, the driver was a woman. Police have not yet released a detailed description of her.

There were seven children on the bus at the time of the crash. They were all between 5 and 9 years old. At least three students and the school bus driver were taken to a nearby hospital. Their injuries are not life-threatening.

The other children were treated at the scene by emergency medical crews. It appears that their injuries are not serious.

OKCPS Superintendent Karl Springer arrived at the scene within an hour of the crash. He called the accident a school district's "worst nightmare." He said the driver of the car was obviously traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed into the bus. He reminded all drivers to be especially careful between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. when buses are transporting children to school.

Police are calling the bus driver a hero because of his actions immediately after the crash. Police say although the bus driver was hurt, he focused on the children. They say he helped them off the bus and kept them warm until help arrived.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crash and the missing driver to call police.