MONTGOMERY – Nine Montgomery Area School District elementary students suffered minor injuries and one man is in serious condition after a crash involving a school bus at 8:15 a.m. Monday, May 14 along Elimsport Road.

According to state police, the crash occurred when Ann L. Bieber, 45, who was operating the bus, was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting a pickup truck parked in front of her.

The truck, driven by Robert Kibler, 68, of Williamsport, then struck a speed limit sign, multiple mail boxes and a utility pole before coming to rest, according to police. Kibler was transported to the Williamsport Regional Medial Center where his condition was stabilized before he was transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. According to a nursing supervisor, he was in serious condition Monday evening.

All parents were notified by phone by elementary school staff, while district Superintendent Daphne Ross and elementary Principal Karen Snyder went to the scene.

Ross said paramedics arrived on scene and checked out all involved. After officials decided that nine of the 24 students on board needed further care, they were transported to hospitals in Muncy and Williamsport. The other students waited with Ross for either their parents or another bus to transport them.

“They’re all fine. They had minor injuries. Nine were transported to area hospitals,” Ross said of the students.

Ross said all nine were released later in the day. They did not report back to school.

“Their parents met them at the hospital and they were released to their parents,” she said.

State police were assisted at the scene by members of the Clinton Township Fire Department, Clinton Township, Warrior Run and Montgomery ambulance personnel and the South Williamsport Fire Department.

Elimsport Road was closed between Route 15 and Blind Road while police conducted an investigation and PPL replaced the utility pole damaged in the crash.

Ross said the driver of the pickup – who suffered major injuries, according to state police – is in the district’s thoughts.

“This is one of our worst fears and when a bus accident occurs you have a plan in place. Fortunately, none of the students were hurt. Our thoughts are with the driver of the pickup truck,” Ross said.

Bieber will be charged with operating a vehicle at an unsafe speed, according to state police.