South Putnam school bus involved in crash

Wednesday, February 10, 2016
A Wednesday-afternoon crash involving a South Putnam school bus (right) and a passenger car heavily damaged the front end of the car. (Banner Graphic/CHELSA MODGLIN)

REELSVILLE -- Indiana State Police and Putnam County emergency agencies responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a South Putnam school bus Wednesday afternoon.

The accident occurred about 3:30 p.m. on County Road 800 West, just north of U.S. 40 in western Putnam County.

Investigation revealed a 2005 Lincoln, driven by Brandi L. Brown, 30, of Reelsville, was southbound on County Road 800 West, traveling over a narrow hillcrest.

At the same time, a 2012 Thomas brand school bus from the South Putnam School Corporation, driven by Phyllis M. Curry, 71, whose address is listed by State Police as Brownsburg, was northbound at the same location.

As the vehicles reached the hillcrest, the Lincoln appeared to be left of center and collided head-on with the bus, Indiana State Police at Putnamville reported.

Brown was extricated from the car by Reelsville Fire Department personnel and transported by Putnam County Operation Life ambulance to St. Vincent Clay Hospital in Brazil for treatment of shoulder and back pain.

She was cited for driving left of center and having no financial responsibility (insurance).

Trooper John Meyers estimated property damage at $10,000-$12,000.

A collision with a school bus sent the driver of this car, Brandi Brown of Reelsville, to the hospital. Brown was also cited for driving left of center and driving without insurance. (Banner Graphic/CHELSEA MODGLIN)

Curry and her three teenage bus passengers were medically evaluated and released.

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper James Crisp.

Assisting were ISP Lt. Brent Johnson and Troopers Myers and DuJuan Presley-McFadden, along with personnel from the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Operation Life and Reelsville Fire Department.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: