Bus on run through state veers off U.S. 71; 8 injured

A Jefferson Lines bus crashed near Y City in Scott County around 5: 45 a. m. Wednesday after the driver apparently fell asleep, according to the Arkansas State Police.

Trooper Brian Burke said the driver, Andre Burnside of Missouri, was cited for careless or prohibited driving.

“It looks like, this is preliminary right now, but I’m pretty certain the driver fell asleep and just ran off the road,” said Burke. “He went off in a ditch and entered a tree line there and struck several trees. They plowed over some of them, decent-sized trees.”

Burke said seven passengers and the driver were injured and transported to Mena Regional Health System in Polk County. There were 21 passengers on the bus, he said.

Dan Ronan, a spokesman for the American Bus Association, said the injuries appeared to be minor. Jefferson Lines is a member of the trade association.

“We’re pleased everyone seems OK,” said Ronan. “That’s the important thing. The driver’s injuries may be the most serious. I understand he’s got a broken foot or a broken leg.”

Burke said the southbound bus ran off the west side of U.S. 71 as the highway curved to the east.

Ronan said the 2007 Motor Coach Industries bus was on a scheduled run from Kansas City, Mo., to Texarkana, Ark., making stops in cities along the way. Burnside had been driving the route for Jefferson Lines for more than four months, said Ronan.

Jefferson Lines is based in Minneapolis and has been in operation since 1926.