Providence Recreation Bus Crashes On Route 4

A Providence recreation bus carrying elementary school age children crashed through a guard rail, took out a light pole and hurtled into trees off the side of the Route 4 around 3 p.m. Monday. All 32 occupants were taken to area hospitals, but officials said it looked like only the driver was seriously injured.

The bus had been traveling north on Route 4 in East Greenwich just over the border with North Kingstown when another vehicle struck it, causing it to leave the roadway. State Police Capt. Castellone said they were still investigating the cause of the accident. He did not have any information on the driver of the other vehicle.

EG firefighter Bill Purcell said EG Fire was first on the scene, receiving the call at 3:06 p.m. According to Deputy Fire Chief Russell McGillivray, 12 rescue trucks, 2 engines, a ladder truck, a hazards truck and 3 chief’s cars responded to the scene.

According to officials, the driver was ejected from the bus and landed in a group of trees.

"He was stable, conscious and alert at the time of transport," said Purcell of the driver.

The children and other adults on the bus were upset but no one appeared to be seriously hurt.

"The kids were shaken up," said Purcell. "Everybody wanted their mom."