VINALHAVEN — No injuries were reported, and minor damage resulted from a motor vehicle accident in Vinalhaven, March 14, involving a school bus and a private vehicle. The sound of the impact, however, could be heard from a great distance around the island.

As an incoming afternoon nor’easter blew strong wind gusts and heavy snow inward from the Atlantic Ocean, a Jeep Gladiator in the town of Vinalhaven lost control on the roadway due to the snow, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle struck a school bus carrying 15 passengers. 

Vinalhaven Fire & EMS received an alert from Knox Regional Communications Center regarding the incident at 3:07 p.m., and, two minutes later, arrived to the scene at the intersection of High and Lakeview streets.

Because the school bus is 2022 Lion electric bus, school officials needed to work with the manufacturer to enable the bus to be moved, according to Fire Chief Marc Candage. The process took approximately 90 minutes, during which time, crews from the FD and EMS remained involved. 

Both vehicles were able to leave the scene on their own.  

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com