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Two charged after 'frightening' crash near school bus, student

Child had just exited bus when van rolled in Muskoka Lakes Township; driver fled scene and was later arrested, police say
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File photo

Two people have been charged in relation to a collision near a stopped school bus Tuesday in Muskoka Lakes Township.

According to Bracebridge OPP, the bus was stopped, with its lights flashing and stop arm extended, on Muskoka Road 169, north of Glen Orchard, at 3:22 p.m. A child had just exited the bus when the driver of a southbound Chevrolet Express van lost control of the vehicle.

The van rolled, but it ended up on its wheels again. That’s when the driver fled the scene, driving toward Glen Orchard, police said, noting the bus driver reported the incident to OPP.

Witnesses told police the white van had Muskoka Wide Plumbing logos on it.

“Fortunately, no one was injured. However, it was a frightening experience for the child and school bus operator,” police stated in a news release.

Officers located the “badly damaged” van at an address on Muskoka Road 169, where the logos had been removed from the vehicle.

As a result, Daniel Bray, 30, of Gravenhurst, and Bryden Croft, 20, of Bracebridge, have each been charged with obstructing police. They are set to appear in Bracebridge court Nov. 15.

The investigation into what led to the crash is continuing. Police ask anyone with information to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be provided anonymously at www.crimestopperssdm.com.