Driver in School Bus Rollover Almost Had License Suspended

54-year-old Mitchell Valburn had 5 speeding tickets, 1 accident, a failure to stop and improper turn

The driver who was operating the bus that rolled over with 22 middle school students on board Wednesday has multiple driving infractions.

According to Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles records, 54-year-old Mitchell Valburn of Everett had five speeding tickets, one accident, and violations for failure to stop and making an improper turn. At one point he was slated to have his license suspended, but paid fines before that happened.

A spokesperson for First Student, the company Valburn works for, had released conflicting information saying that he has a clean driving record. Valburn has been licensed to drive a bus in the state since 2006.

The rollover happened after a collision involving a pickup truck on Interstate 95 southbound near Route 20 in Weston, Massachusetts.

The injured students - sixth through eighth graders at Sudbury's Curtis Middle School - were taken to the hospital for evaluation of minor injuries. Some complained of back or neck pain, but none were seriously hurt.

"We are so grateful it appears none of our students were seriously injured," Sudbury Public Schools Superintendent Anne Wilson said.

Thursday, school officials said they were monitoring the students for signs of trauma and will provide resources for students and families.

The pickup truck’s driver stayed on the scene after the crash, according to Massachusetts State Police.

An investigation is underway, and it's unclear at this time whether either of the drivers will be cited or charged.

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