AVILLA, Ind. (WOWO): The Indiana State Police responded to and investigated a two vehicle crash that involved an East Noble School bus this afternoon that sent a 57 year old man from Fort Wayne to the hospital.

Trooper James Bailey says that at approximately 3:35 p.m., a 2009 CES school bus owned by the East Noble School Corporation and driven by 59 year old Marilyn R. Miars of rural Avilla was traveling westbound on County Road 100 S at the intersection with State Road 3. 

After crossing the northbound lanes of State Road 3, Miars stopped the bus in a crossover, yielding to a vehicle that was turning in front of her.  Miars then proceeded into the southbound lanes and into the path of a southbound 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by 57 year old Steven Ihrie of Fort Wayne.  Ihrie’s vehicle struck the bus broadside causing extensive damage to both vehicles.

As a result of the crash, Ihrie was transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne with injuries to his lower leg as well as complaints of pain to his head, neck, chest and back.  He was wearing a seatbelt at the time which lessened the severity of his injuries.  Miars, who was also wearing her seatbelt, and the eight students who were on the bus were not injured.  Bailey was assisted at the scene by the Noble County Sheriff Department, Avilla Police Department, Noble County EMS, Avilla Fire and LaOtto Fire Departments.