GSP: SUV driver dies after crash with school bus in Laurens County

Troopers say the school bus had its stop signs and flashing lights activated while children were boarding.

LAURENS COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The driver of an SUV was killed after crashing into the back of a Laurens County school bus Thursday morning, according to the Georgia State Patrol.

The Georgia State Patrol says the crash happened around 7:27 a.m. on Brewton Lovett Road.

Investigators say the Laurens County school bus was stopped at a private drive with its stop signs, flashing lights and safety equipment activated while children were boarding the bus.

According to troopers, an SUV traveling behind the bus failed to stop and struck the rear of the bus.

GSP says the SUV driver, identified Friday bv Laurens County Coroner Richard Stanley III as 70-year-old Marsha Smith of Wrightsville, died from injuries suffered in the crash.

Troopers say there were 26 children and one driver on the bus at the time of the collision. Ten children reported injuries or complaints of pain. EMS personnel evaluated all students at the scene and determined none required transportation to a hospital.

The Laurens County School District said in a Facebook post Thursday morning that some students were later taken to the hospital by family members as a precaution.

Officials say all students were either released to parents or taken to school on another bus. The crash remains under investigation.