News Summary
Angela Fitzgerald, a bus driver, faces 10 charges including felonies related to a bus crash that injured 15 people, including students. The incident occurred on a field trip from Grand Rapids to Ohio, raising serious safety concerns. Michigan State Police found THC in Fitzgerald’s system, leading to ongoing legal proceedings and community discussions about transportation safety.
Portland Township, Michigan – Angela Fitzgerald, a 45-year-old bus driver, is now facing amended charges related to a bus crash that took place on March 29, 2023, while transporting students and staff from the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre on a field trip to Ohio. The increased charges raise her total from eight to ten, comprising six felonies and four misdemeanors.
The new charges against Fitzgerald include operating while intoxicated causing serious injury and moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function. The incident occurred when Fitzgerald’s bus veered off Interstate 96 and collided with a guardrail near Kent Street, injuring a total of 11 students and four adults aboard the vehicle.
Among the injured, four students were reported to have sustained injuries, with one suffering serious injuries that resulted in a foot amputation. Other students experienced concussions and various forms of trauma from the crash. At the time of the accident, the bus was filled with individuals on an educational excursion, highlighting the serious nature of the event.
Michigan State Police have stated that Fitzgerald had THC, a component of cannabis, in her system when the accident occurred. Although Fitzgerald claimed not to have consumed alcohol in months, she did acknowledge using prescription medication. Following the crash, she was arrested and later released on a $5,000 surety bond.
As part of the legal proceedings, an offer made by Ionia County prosecutors allows Fitzgerald the option to plead guilty to the six most serious charges against her, while the remaining four charges may be dismissed. This offer indicates a potential path toward resolution, but the legal process is still ongoing.
Fitzgerald’s next court appearance is scheduled as a Probable Cause Conference on October 8 at 1:00 PM. The outcome of this conference will be significant in determining how the case will progress and the legal ramifications Fitzgerald may face as a result of the crash and her alleged actions leading up to it.
Background on the Incident
The bus crash occurred during a trip organized by the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, which was intended to be a day of learning and cultural enrichment for the students involved. As the bus navigated the highway, the driver lost control and veered off the road, resulting in a series of injuries among the passengers. This incident has raised questions about safety standards in transportation for school-related activities and the impact of substances on driving ability.
Since the accident, parents and local community members have expressed concerns over the safety of students during excursions. The incident has also sparked discussions about the potential need for stricter regulations and enhanced training for drivers who oversee the transportation of large groups, especially minors. The legal developments regarding Fitzgerald’s charges may influence future policies impacting school transportation in the region and beyond.
In summary, as Angela Fitzgerald faces increased charges in connection with the March bus incident, the legal proceedings will continue to unfold, drawing attention from the community and raising important questions regarding safety measures and the responsibilities of those tasked with transporting students.
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Additional Resources
- Fox17: Driver Faces Additional Charges for OWI in Bus Crash
- Wikipedia: School Bus Safety
- WoodTV: Bus Driver Facing More Charges for Portland Township Crash
- Google Search: Bus Driver Crash Michigan
- MLive: Woman Accused of Impaired Driving in I-96 Charter Bus Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- WZZM13: Michigan School Bus Crash Sends Four Students to Hospital
- Google News: School Bus Crash
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
