Bus-Truck Accident Near Conde Injures Students

A school bus and semi crashed yesterday afternoon around 4:30 at the junction of Highways 20 and 37 west of Conde.  61 year old Harold Gerdes of Hecla was headed eastbound on highway 20 driving a semi hauling concrete railroad ties.  The school bus, driven by Orrin Freeman of Mellette was stopped at a stop sign and proceeded across highway 37.  The school bus failed to yield to the semi.  The school bus skidded into the ditch and struck a utility pole.  There were 4 passengers on the bus, 2 nine year old females who suffered serious, non life threatening injuries and 2 six year old females who suffered minor injuries.  All were transported to Avera St. Luke’s hospital.  No school bus passengers were ejected.  Both drivers were wearing seatbelts.