PINE BLUFF, Ark. — On the morning of August 26, a Pine Bluff police officer was involved in a vehicle crash with a school bus on Dollarway Road near Phyllis Street.
According to reports, a Pine Bluff School District school bus was waiting at a stop light on Dollarway Road when a police vehicle struck the bus from behind.
Officials confirmed that there were no students on board at the time of the collision, however, the driver was taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center. The officer was also transported to receive treatment and is currently stable and responsive to medical personnel.
The bus driver is reportedly doing fine with minor injuries. At this time, the exact cause of the crash is unknown.
In an update given by the Pine Bluff Police Department, they stated, "The outcome of this collision could have been worse if it was not for the reactions of several citizens who assisted immediately after the wreck."
After the crash, the officer's vehicle caught fire while he was pinned beneath it. Eyewitnesses said a man at the scene jumped into action, using a fire extinguisher from his truck to put out the fire.
Several other citizens reportedly cut away the airbags so the officer could breathe and stayed with him until emergency crews arrived. These actions may have saved the officer's life.
Pine Bluff police added, "We thank all of you who stopped to help the Officer and quite possibly saved his life. We would like to know who the person was who stopped and put out the fire. He left before anyone got his name. We owe him a debt of gratitude and a new fire extinguisher."
If you are that good Samaritan, call (870) 730-2080.
