Prom is a night that most high school students look forward to with great anticipation. Unfortunately for the students attending the junior prom Silver Lake Regional High School, it was a night of tears.
Four high school juniors were seriously injured in a car accident when their vehicle crashed head-on with a school bus. The accident occurred at about 7 a.m. close to the high school. The bus driver had just dropped off some students when the automobile carrying with the four students crashed directly into it.
Medical assistance came from Kingston, Duxbury, Pembroke and Plymouth. Two MedFlight helicopters also landed on the football field and the students were transported to area hospitals. The police reported that when the EMTs and others arrived, the driver of the car was conscious although the car’s passengers were not. It is not known who was wearing seat belts at the time of the car crash.
The high school administration had a difficult decision to make regarding a potential cancellation of the prom. In the end, it was decided that those students who wanted to attend to be with each other, should be able to do so. The prom went on as scheduled.
The condition of the four students is partially known. Two were reported as having life-threatening injuries, one has a serious brain injury and the fourth is in fair condition.
The cause of the accident is under investigation. It was not known if distracted driving or other behavior caused the crash. If there is any negligence or fault found, the injured persons may be able to obtain compensation for damages including pain and suffering.
The high school seniors have invited any junior to attend the senior prom if they wish to do so.
Source: The Patriot Ledger, “Silver Lake students still hospitalized after Kingston crash,” Lane Lambert and Stephanie Spyropoulos, March 31, 2012
