Bus involved in head-on collision

Kia versus bus

By Mark Reaman

A Bustang bus that originated in Gunnison and was heading for the Front Range got into a head-on traffic accident that resulted in one person going to the hospital on Thursday, December 5.

According to trooper Josh Lewis of the Colorado State Patrol, the accident occurred on Highway 285 near mile marker 211 near Grants. The patrol received the call about 10 a.m. Thursday.

The bus, which is run by Telluride Express, was northbound heading to Denver and a white Kia Sportage was heading south. The Kia lost control in the snow and rotated clockwise into the northbound lane of traffic. The bus tried to swerve to avoid the car but hit the right shoulder of the road. The front of the bus then hit the ride side of the car. Lewis said speed for the conditions was a factor in the accident.

The patrol said the driver of the Kia, 27-year-old Michelle Haynes of Denver, was transported to a hospital in Denver with serious bodily injuries. Three people on the bus also reported complaints of possible injury to the patrol, including the bus driver, 57-year-old Jeffrey Williamson of Gunnison. The other 12 passengers on the bus were not injured.

Haynes, the only person transported to the hospital, was charged with careless driving.

Representatives of Telluride Express did not return queries about the incident.