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WERNERSVILLE, Pa.-- Several students were injured in a multi-vehicle accident involving a school bus in Berks County Wednesday morning.
Officials said a school bus carrying 15 middle and high school students in the Conrad Weiser School District was struck by a tractor trailer on Route 422 at Sportsman’s Road in Wernersville around 7:45 a.m.
Quick thinking by one teen on the bus helped bring the chaotic situation under control.
"I heard the bus driver yell, so I looked up and saw a big, white, Mac truck come and hit us," said Robert Hollinger.
Instead of panicking, 17-year-old Robert Hollinger put his junior firefighter skills to work.
"I started yelling to all the kids to get out of the back of the bus. So everybody got out of the back of the bus and I heard the bus driver yell 'Help, I'm trapped in my seat belt.' So I made my way to the front of the bus and undid the seat belt and waited for E.M.S.," said Robert.
"I was crying. I really didn't think I was going to cry and I was worried because I couldn't find my brother. I figured he was helping other people," said Jessica Hollinger, Robert's sister.
Melissa Conrad said she knew her son would step up in a difficult situation and although Robert doesn't want to be called a hero, she says that's exactly what he is.
"I'm not a hero. I just did what needed to be done," said Robert.
"It's hard to believe anybody survived. I mean it was hit. It was stopped. It was hit by a tractor trailer that was moving. It was flipped on its side and we're fortunate," said District Superintendent Dr. Robert Urvillo.
Dr. Urzillo said eyewitnesses reported the tractor trailer ran a red light, striking a car and then hit the bus, turning it on its side.
School officials said seven students were taken to St. Josephs’ Medical Center. One student suffered a compound fracture in the crash while a second may need an M.R.I.
Six other students were moved to area schools to be evaluated by the school nurse. Four were sent home for the day, while two were moved to area hospitals with minor injuries in fair condition.
The bus driver was treated for non-life threatening injuries and is listed in fair condition. The condition of the truck driver and the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash are unknown.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Republished with permission of KYW-TV.
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