On Wednesday afternoon, a serious collision between a school bus and an SUV at 636 West Creighton Avenue in Fort Wayne, Indiana resulted in life-threatening injuries to the SUV driver. The incident occurred just before 3:30 p.m. when, according to initial Fort Wayne Police Department reports, the SUV driver failed to yield to the school bus. The bus, which belonged to the International Leadership School, was carrying at least one student at the time of the crash. Both the bus driver and a student sustained minor injuries and received medical treatment at the scene before being released. Emergency responders quickly secured the area, with authorities closing down West Creighton Avenue and a portion of South Wayne Avenue for several hours to facilitate investigation and cleanup operations.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision site at 636 West Creighton Avenue is situated in Fort Wayne's south side, a primarily residential area served by several educational institutions. This section of West Creighton Avenue intersects with South Wayne Avenue, creating a significant thoroughfare for both school transportation and regular traffic. The area experiences heightened traffic volume during school arrival and dismissal times, particularly due to its proximity to the International Leadership School, which serves elementary through high school students. The intersection is regulated by standard traffic control devices, requiring proper yielding behavior from all vehicles to ensure safe passage through this busy corridor.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana Code Title 9, Article 21, motorists must yield to school buses according to specific regulations, with enhanced penalties for violations involving school transportation vehicles. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, where parties less than 51% at fault may seek compensation for damages. Injured parties typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under Indiana's statute of limitations. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The presence of a school bus in the accident may also invoke additional regulations under Indiana's pupil transportation laws.

Related Resources

• Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
• Fort Wayne Fire Department: (260) 427-1170
• Allen County Emergency Management: (260) 449-4663
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: www.in.gov/bmv
• Indiana Department of Transportation: www.in.gov/indot
• Allen County Victim Assistance Program: (260) 449-7770
• Indiana State Police Crash Reports: www.in.gov/isp