Nearly 40 students taken to hospital after school bus crash in University City

Nearly 40 students were taken to a hospital to get checked out after a school bus and a car collided in University City Wednesday morning, school officials said.

The bus was on its way to University City High School headed north on Genesee Avenue when it was rear-ended by a silver Infinity near state Route 52 about 8:30 a.m., officials said. Officers said the bus was going 2 to 3 mph at the time.

California Highway Patrol Officer Jake Sanchez said its possible the driver of the car, a 70-year-old woman, suffered a medical emergency, leading to the collision.

Eleven students who complained of pain after the crash were taken in ambulances to Scripps Health in La Jolla. Sometime later and as a precaution, the remaining students were also taken to the hospital — via bus — to be evaluated.

No serious injuries were reported.

A Scripps Health spokesman said a total of 39 students were brought to the facility. None had been admitted as of early Wednesday afternoon.

The driver of the Infinity was also taken to a hospital with a complaint of pain to her chest and abrasions she suffered when the air bag deployed.

Magee said the University High principal pulled the bus manifest right after the crash and had school counselors call the parents of the students involved. A vice principal also went to the crash location and encouraged students to call their parents to tell them what happened and that they were all right.

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UPDATES:

2:40 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details.

This article was originally published at 9:55 a.m.