A Hillsborough resident suffered “serious” injuries and faces reckless driving charges after crashing into an Orange County Schools school bus on Wednesday afternoon, according to state investigators.

A release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol on Wednesday said troopers responded to reports of a crash along Faucette Mill Road at the intersection of Odie Street at 3:15 p.m. 58-year-old Maritza Brooks was traveling west on the road behind the school bus. When the bus began to initiate a left turn onto Odie Street, Brooks attempted to pass the vehicle and struck the driver’s side of the bus with her Subaru Outback, according to the release.

The State Highway Patrol said the collision caused Brooks’ Subaru to overturn and she was ejected from the vehicle. The school bus, which had 19 children onboard, stayed upright. Orange County Schools confirmed to Chapelboro the bus was carrying students from River Park Elementary School.

“We want to remind everyone that our highest priority is always the safety of our students, our staff, and the motoring public,” said the district in a statement.

Two of the children were evaluated for injuries on-scene by EMS afterward and released to their parents, while the driver of the school bus was taken to UNC Hospitals in Hillsborough with minor injuries. Wednesday’s release said Brooks, whose injuries were more severe, was taken to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for treatment. Investigators said no other injuries were reported from the crash.

State Highway Patrol said Brooks is charged with carless and reckless driving, passing in a no passing zone, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

The Orange County intersection was closed from around one hour during the investigation and clearing of the crash, with state troopers reopening the roads at 4:23 p.m., according to the highway patrol’s release.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
On the Porch: Dr. Jim Crawford - September News Roundup
This Week: Born into a blue collar and agricultural clan in rural Pennsylvania, Dr. Jim Crawford was the first in his family to graduate from college. Earning his PhD from the University of North Carolina, he taught US and World History at several universities in the piedmont North Carolina for several decades. He served as chairman of the Chatham County board of commissioners, and currently serves as trustee for Central Carolina Community College. He is a firm believer in American democracy and trusts that the constitution will hold firm now as it has in past crises despite the broken, distempered electorate.
Sen. Graig Meyer Shares Updates on State Budget Impasse, Medicaid, Disaster Relief and More
Ahead of the North Carolina General Assembly reconvening, state Sen. Graig Meyer joined 97.9 The Hill to discuss several topics on his mind.
FEMA Approves Disaster Assistance for Chantal's Flood-Damaged Areas, Including Orange County
Two months after flash floodwaters ripped through central North Carolina, funding from FEMA is headed to the affected areas.
Latest Declaration by Gov. Stein Opens More Relief Opportunities for Orange County Flood Victims
Nearly a full month removed from Tropical Depression Chantal's significant rain and subsequent flooding, victims in Orange County and other impacted regions have a new way to seek individual relief.
'Not A Time For Political Hobby-ism': Orange County's NC Senator Urges Action Amid Authoritarian Shift
North Carolina Senator Graig Meyer, who represents Orange County, offered advice to his constituents who feel disheartened or disillusioned.
Orange County Sheriff Blackwood Appointed to Chair of North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission
After serving on the North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission for nearly eight years, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood will now have the chance to lead the group.
Local U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee Boycotts Trump's Congressional Address, Citing President's Lies
Orange, Durham and Chatham County's U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee did not attend President Donald Trump's address to Congress Tuesday evening.
Orange County's NC Reps, Local Governments React to Anti-Diversity and Equity Measures
As a bill in the North Carolina House aims to ban diversity improvement efforts, local elected officials from Orange County are speaking out.
2024 Candidate Introductions: North Carolina House Districts 50 and 56
Orange County is represented by two districts in the North Carolina House: District 56 (Chapel Hill and Carrboro) and District 50 (the rest).
Hillsborough Driver Injured, Charged with Reckless Driving After Crash with Orange County School Bus
A Hillsborough resident suffered “serious” injuries and faces reckless driving charges after crashing into an Orange County Schools school bus on Wednesday afternoon, according to state investigators. A release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol on Wednesday said troopers responded to reports of a crash along Faucette Mill Road at the intersection of Odie […]
›