Oregon Bus Driver Rescued After Getting Pinned Under Vehicle

Jan. 18--A Hood River school bus driver trapped under her vehicle for nearly an hour after it slid over her while she was inspecting a tire chain along the highway is listed in fair condition, the Oregon State Police reported.

Meridith A. Cole, 38, was driving four students on Oregon 35 at about 3 p.m. Tuesday when she pulled over near the Odell Junction to inspect what she thought was a broken tire chain, troopers said. While she was outside, the bus slid and trapped her face down in the snow, troopers said.

Hood River County Sheriff's Office deputies, the Odell Fire Department and troopers were sent to the scene. Authorities flagged down a Hood River Towing truck that happened to be responding to another call. The team, with the help of the tow truck, was able to lift the bus off Cole.

She was taken by ambulance to Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, and later transferred to Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Medical center, troopers said.

The children on the bus were taken to Mid Valley Elementary where their parents were contacted, troopers said.

--Tom Hallman Jr.

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