PICKAWAY TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A Logan Elm Local School District bus driver was cited and transported to the hospital after veering off the road and crashing into a utility pole on Thursday afternoon, May 21.
The single-vehicle accident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Tarlton Road (County Route 16), just west of Route 70, according to crash reports released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Details of the Crash
State troopers report that a 2023 yellow Thomas Built school bus, owned by Logan Elm Local Schools, was traveling eastbound on Tarlton Road at an estimated speed of 45 mph. As the driver attempted to negotiate a curved section of the level roadway, the bus went off the right side of the road and collided directly with a utility pole.
Fortunately, the bus was not carrying any students at the time of the crash, listing only the driver as the sole occupant.
Driver Transported and Cited
The driver, identified as 57-year-old Lisa K. Harrison of Circleville, suffered possible injuries in the impact. Pickaway Township EMS responded to the scene and transported Harrison to Berger Hospital for medical evaluation. Harrison was wearing her shoulder and lap safety belts at the time of the collision.
The OSHP investigation determined that the crash was caused by the driver operating the vehicle off the roadway. Trooper Quentin Phillips subsequently issued Harrison a formal citation for Operating a Vehicle Without Reasonable Control (Ohio Revised Code 4511.202).
Alcohol or drug impairment is not suspected, and weather conditions at the time were listed as cloudy but dry.
Scene Clearance and Vehicle Damage
The crash resulted in disabling front-end damage to the school bus, which had to be towed from the scene by Tony’s Towing. First responders and utility crews remained on-site for over two hours to manage the scene and address the damaged utility pole, completely clearing the area by 4:00 p.m.
