A 31 year-old man has been charged with fail to give way at an intersection and drive an unregistered and uninsured vehicle following a crash at the corner of Stuart Highway and McKinnon Road in Pinelands yesterday morning.

Constable First Class Ian Nankivell said the truck driver was allegedly attempting a right hand turn onto the highway from a give way sign when he pulled out into the path of the mini bus.

“We are very fortunate that more serious injures have not occurred as a result.  It could have been much, much worse.”

Constable First Class Nankivell said the seven children and five adults in the school bus were assisted at the scene by other road users and local business people.

“People stopped to help and the children were assisted across the road to an air-conditioned area where they were treated by St John Paramedics for minor bumps and bruises.

“Fire and Rescue Members had to cut a 53 year-old female from the front passenger seat of the mini bus and she remains in hospital. 

“The twelve other people involved in the crash were transported to hospital for observation and have since being released.”

Constable First Class Nankivell said Police would like to thank all the people who assisted at the scene and for the comfort they provided to the children.