Bus driver and good Samaritans applauded after crash

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Parents, students, and staff are applauding a local bus driver and a group of good Samaritans for helping more than two dozen kids to safety, after a fuel truck smashed into it. The crash happened around two o'clock Monday afternoon at Elm and Central in Fresno County.

School officials say 27 students from Orange Center Elementary School were on board at the time. They say the bus driver, 41-year-old Juan Carlos Marquez, and some people watching nearby, rushed the kids off the bus and waited for help to arrive. 17 were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries and were later released.

The California Highway Patrol does not believe Marquez was at fault. Officers are now investigating if the driver of the tanker is at fault for running a stop sign.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Linda Mumma.