Multiple students injured in rollover school bus crash; driver charged

CALHOUN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ/Gray News) - West Virginia State Police say a school bus driver is accused of driving under the influence after a rollover crash that involved multiple injuries to students.

The bus driver was identified as 54-year-old Jeffrey Allen Brannon, according to the criminal complaint from Calhoun County Magistrate Court. He was arraigned Monday night on three counts of DUI causing injury and three counts of child neglect causing injury, WSAZ reports.

Troopers say Brannon ran off the road on State Route 16 in Calhoun County and struck a culvert, causing the school bus to tip over. The crash was reported around 6 p.m. Monday.

EMS crews evacuated children from the back of the bus.

Calhoun County Sheriff Graham Knight says the bus was an activity bus leaving Calhoun County High School.

Three children, ranging in age from 12 to 14, suffered serious injuries, including a concussion and a fractured vertebra, according to the criminal complaint. While two of the victims were flown from the scene, troopers say their injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

The complaint states that Brannon had a blood-alcohol level of .127% as measured by a standard Intoximeter. A preliminary breath test at the scene showed a readout of .161% – nearly two times the legal limit.

Investigators say Brannon “began yelling and acting aggressive” when they arrived at the scene, according to the complaint.

Brannon’s bond was set at $250,000. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 14.

Meanwhile, all Calhoun County schools will be closed Tuesday, according to Knight.

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