HUSTON TOWNSHIP – A fatal crash that involved a collision with a school bus occurred this afternoon on state Route 255, Bennetts Valley Highway, in Huston Township, Clearfield County, according to the state police at DuBois.
The crash, state police said, occurred around 2 p.m. Thursday, as a 2010 Dodge Caliber, driven by 33-year-old Jason Allen Trask of St. Marys was traveling south on SR 255, and for an unknown reason, the car was traveling in the northbound lane of SR 255.
State police said a 2015 Thomas School Bus, driven by 37-year-old Chrystal Marie Miller of Curwensville was traveling north on SR 255 and was loaded with 12 pre-school children.
Miller recognized the Dodge was in her lane of travel and attempted to swerve the bus to the left to avoid collision. Upon doing this, Trask swerved his Dodge to the right and impact occurred near the center of the roadway, according to state police.
Trask was pronounced dead at the scene by Clearfield County Coroner’s Office. Miller was transported to Penn Highlands DuBois for injuries suffered, state police said.
There were reported minor injuries to a few of the pre-school students. It is unknown if any treatment was administered, state police said.
The Dodge and the school bus were severely damaged in the crash.
The following agencies assisted at the scene: Huston Township Volunteer Fire Company, Jay Township Volunteer Fire Company, Bennetts Valley EMS, Clearfield County Coroner’s Office, Clearfield County Emergency Management and PSP Forensic Services.
The investigation will remain open pending toxicology results, according to state police.
