A three vehicle accident that occurred Tuesday morning on state Route 305 sent nine persons to area hospitals to be treated primarily for scrapes and bruises. However, the driver of the black Cadillac was believed to have sustained serious injuries;

FOWLER — Nine persons were taken to area hospitals at to be treated for injuries sustained in a three-vehicle accident that occurred Tuesday morning on state Route 305.

The crash happened around 8:30 a.m. between state Route 193 and Bell South Road.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Philip Robinson said according to witnesses, the driver of a black Cadillac Escalade SUV that was traveling west on state Route 305 crossed the center line at least once prior to hitting an eastbound Siffrin 15-passenger bus head on.

A red Dodge Durango SUV, which also was traveling east, rear ended the bus when it suddenly stopped after the impact with the Cadillac.

There were seven persons on the bus, including the driver, an aide and five people with special needs. None of the passengers sustained serious, life-threatening injuries, the patrol said.

“It was mostly scrapes and bruises,” Robinson said. “Some were traumatized.”

The driver of the Durango also received minor injuries. They were taken to various area hospitals to be examined.

The driver of the Cadillac sustained the most serious injury, according to Robinson. He was taken to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with traumatic injuries.

None of the crash victims have been identified.

Siffrin Transportation Services, a non-profit, runs a fleet of about 50 buses throughout Northeast Ohio, and sent several of its other buses to transport its passengers.

Several emergency crews responded, including Cortland, Johnston, Vienna, Bazetta, Howland and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The cause of the crash is under investigation and more information, including the victims’ names, is expected to be released today.