Bus Driver Ferrying 54 Kids Blew 4 Times Legal Limit

Authorities in Pennsylvania say the driver of a school bus that ended up stuck in a snowbank while carrying dozens of children was allegedly heavily intoxicated. Police have issued an arrest warrant for Kelly Weber, a 46-year-old from Boyertown, who was driving 54 elementary school students on Feb. 6, according to officials in Montgomery County.

Reports began coming in around 4 p.m. from motorists who said the bus was swerving into traffic and nearly hitting other vehicles before eventually sliding into a snowbank, Fox News reported. When an officer arrived at the scene, investigators say they found an open 750-milliliter bottle of Tito’s vodka on the bus, along with two empty mini bottles and a receipt showing the alcohol had been purchased earlier that morning.

A subsequent blood test allegedly measured Weber’s blood alcohol concentration at 0.331%—more than four times the legal limit—and also detected THC, a compound associated with cannabis.

Weber now faces charges that include driving under the influence, 54 counts of child endangerment, and 54 counts of reckless endangerment, according to WTXF. Authorities say she has entered a rehabilitation facility and is expected to turn herself in for arraignment, at which time bail will be determined.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said officials are relieved that the situation did not end in a crash. “We are all thankful that this defendant didn’t crash the bus and cause further harm to these children,” he said, while noting the serious risk created by the incident.

Among the passengers were five children younger than 6 years old. Some students reportedly called or texted their parents because they were frightened, and one child got off the bus before the route ended. The bus company has since fired Weber and announced plans to increase random drug and alcohol testing for drivers.

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