By WMBD TV

PEORIA – More than a dozen students were injured and taken to an area hospital injuries after a two-vehicle collision Wednesday in Downtown Peoria.

According to Semone Roth of the Peoria Police Department, 15 students and two adults were on a school bus when it collided with another vehicle at about 9:42 a.m. in the 800 block of Fayette Street. The crash happened right at the base of the exit from Interstate 74.

Marjorie Kauth, a Peoria Public Schools spokeswoman, said the students were from Charter Oak Primary School and were on their way to a field trip to the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

“15 out of the 40 students, along with the driver, sustained minor injuries,” she said. “As a precautionary measure, injured students were taken to the hospital for a thorough check-up.”

“The families of all students have been informed by the transportation department,” Kauth said.

There were no further details regarding what caused the crash. The accident is under investigation, she said.

The incident appeared to have occurred at the base of the large hill near OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center and Carle Health – Methodist. Several police cars were on hand to block lanes and redirect traffic away from Fayette Street. 

Another squad car blocked traffic at the intersection of northeast Glen Oak Avenue and Hamilton Boulevard.

According to Peoria Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff Hascall, departmental paramedics and AMT personnel provided medical care to each student. He said 27 students refused care at the scene, while 18 were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries.

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