Story Category: The Bay Net Exclusives »

UPDATE 11/23/2011 2:50AM POLICE PRESS RELEASE:

On 11/22/2011 at 2124 hours police, fire and rescue personnel responded to a three vehicle motor vehicle collision involving a school bus transporting the girls’ basketball team from Great Mills High School.  The school bus was returning students to St. Mary’s County after they played a basketball game in Colonial Beach, Virgina.  The collision occurred in the intersection of Budds Creek Road and Mechanicsville Road, Mechanicsville, St. Mary’s County, Maryland.  Trooper First Class G. Thompson of the Maryland State Police, Leonardtown Barrack is conducting the investigation.  The investigation is also being investigated in conjunction with the St. Mary’s County School Board.  

It was determined that vehicle #1, a black 1999 Dodge truck, was stopped at the stop sign on Mechanicsville Road at Budds Creek Road.  Vehicle #1 was waiting to make a left turn, to travel east, onto Budds Creek Road.  Vehicle #2, a silver 2010 Ford Fusion, was traveling eastbound Budds Creek Road making a left turn, to travel northbound on Mechanicsville Road.  Vehicle #1 failed to wait for Vehicle #2 to clear the intersection.  Vehicle #1 proceeded into the intersection and struck Vehicle #2.  Vehicle #1 traveled into the intersection on Budds Creek Road.  Vehicle #3, a 2007 Thompson school bus, was traveling eastbound Budds Creek Road approaching the intersection.  As Vehicle #3 approached the intersection, Vehicle #3 struck Vehicle #1.  Vehicle #3 traveled off of the roadway on the westbound side of the roadway and entered a heavily wooded area.

The operator of Vehicle #2 and a 13 year old passenger were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, St. Mary’s County, MD via ambulance.

A total of 28 students, four adults and the bus driver all occupied the bus.  15 students, one adult and the bus driver were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital via ambulance.  No one suffered serious injuries.  At the time of this report, all students had been discharged from the hospital.  The remaining 13 students were released into the custody of their parents at the scene of the collision.

The driver of Vehicle #1, was identified as John Patrick Kravats, date of birth 02/18/1966 of Mechanicsville, St. Mary’s County, Maryland.  Mr. Kravats was subsequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Kravats suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision.  He is currently receiving medical attention for his injuries.  The passenger in Vehicle #1 suffered minor injuries.  The passenger was not transported.

The collision is still under investigation.

UPDATE 12:06AM:

Per the Maryland State Police, the driver of the pickup truck that was arrested for DUI was John Patrick Kravats ofMechanicsville.

Mr. Kravats is a registered sex offender andhas been on TBN previously. Here is the link to his story:

www.thebaynet.com/News/index.cfm/fa/viewStory/story_ID/2148

UPDATE 11:50PM:

The bus is currently being towed out of the woods. A few photos added. More to come shortly!

UPDATE 11:19PM

A tow truck has arrived to pull the bus out.

UPDATE 10:54PM:

One additional patient is being transported to St. Mary's Hospital.

UPDATE 10:28PM:

MSP has decided to not fly anyone out. The injuries did not warrant flying in this weather.

UPDATE 10:16PM:

Another school bus has arrived to pick students up to transfer them to Great Mills High School. However, parents have started to arrive on the scene. The bus is not going to transfer the students. 14 people have been transported to hospitals.

UPDATE 10:09PM:

11 People have been transfered to the hospital via ambulance.

UPDATE 10:02PM:

There were 2 vehicles other than the bus involved, one car and one pickup truck.

UPDATE 10:00PM:

Driver of truck arrested for DUI.

UPDATE 9:55PM:

Trooper 7 has been requested for a flyout.

At 9:23PM a fully loaded St. Mary's Public School Bus # 650 from Great Mills High School carrying girls' basketball players was in an accident with a car and went off the road into the woods on Route 234 in Chaptico. Ten injuries have been reported. Ambulances have started to transfer patients. Students are still being assessed.

Parents are being asked to not go to the scene. Please go directly to St. Mary's Hospital.