Two Injured In Early Morning Bus Accident

A USD 480 school bus being driven by 22 year old Sidney Prater caused an accident Friday morning at the US 83 and Highway 56 intersection. A 2007 KIA Optima being driven by Timothy Melia, 54, of Elkhart, was eastbound on US 56 when he came to a stop at the US56/83 4 way intersection. He then prceeded into the intersection and was struck by the 2006 school bus. The bus had failed to stop at the stop light. The driver of the bus, Prater was not injured, but Melia, and a passenger in the school bus, 44 year old Olga Rodriguez were both taken to the Satanta District Hospital to be treated for their injuries. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that there was dense fog in the area with visibility at about 100 yards. Seatbelts were in use by Prater and Melia, but not by Rodriguez as there were no seatbelts on the bus other than the drivers.