2 high school students critical, 2 others serious after car curbs bus stop

Students at Royal Palm Beach Community High School waiting at their bus stop Tuesday morning were hit by a driver who lost control of his car and drove up onto the sidewalk where they were standing.

The crash happened shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday in the area of Crestwood Boulevard and Cypress Lake Drive in Royal Palm Beach.

The four students were taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palms West Medical Center. Two were in critical condition, and two were in serious condition Tuesday afternoon, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Angel Antonio Lopez, 57, of Royal Palm Beach, was driving a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio north on Crestwood Boulevard nearing Cypress Lake Drive in the outer lane when he drifted to the right and the passenger-side front tire struck a curb, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

After hitting the curb, the Alfa Romero went up onto the sidewalk, and the front of the car hit the students. The car then rotated counter-clockwise and hit another curb, according to the release.

Lopez’s car finally stopped facing west on the east curb of Crestwood Boulevard after it had rolled over, according to the Sheriff ’s Office. He had minor injuries but refused medical treatment, and charges are pending.

A message to parents from Principal Michelle

Fleming Tuesday confirmed the four students attended Royal Palm Beach Community High.

“This morning, 4 of our students, awaiting the arrival of their school bus, were struck by the driver of a passing car,” Fleming’s message said. “All four students are hospitalized. Out of respect for, and in the interest of the privacy of the families involved, I am unable to share any further information about this accident.”

“Counselors and a school police therapy dog are available for any students who may have witnessed this incident, or any who would just like to seek comfort.”