21 Kids Hurt When Rig Hits Mayor-Driven School Bus

PORT BARRE, La. (AP) — Louisiana State Police say a tractor-trailer smashed into the back of a school bus driven by a local mayor after he stopped to pick up children, injuring 21 kids.

Three of the children were hurt critically in Friday's wreck. The kids on board ranged in age from 5 to 17.

Trooper Stephen Hammons says the school bus had just picked up children and was starting to drive away around 7:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 190 between Port Barre and Opelousas. He says its lights were still flashing with its stop signs extended.

Opelousas General Medical Center spokeswoman Deanna LeJeune says Port Barre Mayor Gil Savoy was treated and released. Savoy is a retired school bus driver and was working as a substitute.