ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police have released video showing the moment when a driver accused of drag racing slammed into a school bus.
The school bus had 23 students from George Sanchez Middle School on board when a speeding Mustang hit the bus’s rear tire, causing the bus to tip over, KOAT reported.
The video shows students screaming and being thrown as the bus tips. The school bus driver said he told police he saw what was coming but had no time to stop the crash: “There were two, a white car and the Mustang that’s there, all damaged. They were speeding on each lane. And the guy didn’t have anywhere to go — so when I was across, this guy was beating him, so he just went straight into me,” KOB-TV reported.
Seven students were taken to the hospital, two of whom needed surgery to repair broken bones, KOAT reported.
Editor’s note: The video below may be disturbing for some viewers.
Police said Mario Perez was driving the white Mustang, KOAT reported. Police records obtained by the station show Perez allegedly told the bus driver he was going 65-80 mph when the crash happened. The posted speed limit on the street is 40 mph.
Witnesses told police they thought the speeding cars were going 110 mph, KOB-TV reported.
Perez is facing charges for reckless driving causing bodily injury and was released from jail on condition thathe not drive, KOB-TV reported.
Police are looking for the second alleged driver involved, KOB-TV reported.
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