School bus hits Irwin church, driver injured

No serious injuries were reported early Wednesday when a First Student bus on its way to pick up students in the Penn-Trafford School District wrecked while making a turn onto Second Street in Irwin and struck Immaculate Conception Church.

Irwin police Chief Roger Pivirotto said the bus was not carrying any students when the wreck occurred at the church at 308 Second St. at about 6:13 a.m. Police said the 57-year-old driver suffered a minor injury.

Police reported the driver, Sallie Jo White of North Huntingdon, was traveling north on Oak Street and was making a “wide” left turn on to Second Street when the accident occurred. Police reported White’s foot accidentally slipped off the brake and hit the gas pedal instead, causing the bus to drive over the sidewalk and strike the brick exterior of the church.

Pivirotto said a few bricks on the church were damaged.