The driver of a 1998 Buick, who swerved to avoid another vehicle and ended up hitting two children as they boarded a school bus, was not at fault, Florida Highway Patrol said.
Joshua Jacob, 7, and Robert Wilkes, 11, students of Lakeville Elementary School, were boarding an Orange County School bus on Clarcona-Ocoee Road, when they were struck on Wednesday morning around 8:00 a.m.
Troopers say, Joshua and Robert were taken to the Arnold Palmer hospital with serious injuries. According to news reports the children are expected to fully recover.
FHP also say, 31-year-old Tiffany Alvarez was heading eastbound on Clarcona-Ocoee Road in the left through lane approaching other traffic that was stopped for the school bus. The school bus was in the right through lane westbound of Clarcona-Ocoee Road.
Witnesses told troopers that Alvarez, abruptly changed into the right lane, violating the right of way of 25-year-old Danny Alfred, the driver of the Buick, who was also traveling eastbound.
Alfred swerved to the right, struck a curb and lost control. His Buick then traveled across both east and westbound lanes and struck the arm bar of the school bus, troopers said. The car continued onto the shoulder and through a brick wall, but not before hitting the two children.
Alfred was not injured as a result of the crash. 45-year-old Earnestine Hixon, the driver of the school bus, was also unhurt.
Alvarez was ticketed for an improper lane change and could face a fine of up to $500, troopers said.
