COLUMBUS, Ohio — Safety concerns were raised this week after a video circulating social media showed a Columbus school bus in close proximity to a train as it was passing through a railroad crossing.
Despite those concerns, Columbus City Schools said its initial review found that the bus driver followed all safety protocols.
In the video, the railroad crossing gate could be seen resting atop the school bus.
The incident took place Tuesday on Brice Road on the southeast side of Columbus.
Katy Carter, a parent of two students on the bus, says she was five cars behind the bus when it all happened.
The mother said she panicked, and that it was a scary moment to witness.
“How could you not hear a train coming? You’re putting a lot of kids' lives in danger,” she added.
Columbus City Schools responded to the incident in a letter sent to families impacted.
Rodney Stufflebean, the district's executive director of transportation, said the bus first stopped at the railroad crossing in accordance with regulations. When the driver began to cross the tracks, Stufflebean said they quickly noticed an oncoming train that was approaching faster than expected and before the track’s warning system activated.
Stufflebean said the driver then decided to reverse the bus, emphasizing that the district's drivers are "extensively trained for situations like this."
The district said its internal review, which included additional video and speaking with state and local authorities, confirmed that all safety protocols were "followed precisely."
"The driver’s quick thinking and adherence to these protocols reflect the rigorous training our drivers receive to prioritize the safety of every student on board,” Stufflebean said in the letter to parents.
A spokesperson for the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the agency was aware and looking into the incident.
James Nutter, a business owner in the area, said trains come through every day, but it can be difficult to see them coming.
“This may not be the best direction for them to go. You can access the road on the other side of here with another maybe mile of driving,” said Nutter.