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Driver killed, 12-year-old girl injured in school van accident in Butler County

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Emergency crews rushed to the scene of a fatal rollover accident involving a school van Thursday afternoon in Butler County.

Authorities said the van was coming from St. Luke’s Lutheran School in Hannastown when it veered off the road, hit a tree and rolled over along Saxonburg Boulevard in Clinton Township just before 4 p.m. Thursday.

Police said the driver of the van, 66-year-old Kathleen Webb, died in the accident.

It is unknown if Webb, of Buffalo Township, suffered some sort of medical condition while driving. Officials said she was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Roenigk Bus Company officials said Webb had worked for the company for several years and had a good safety record.

Investigators told Channel 11’s Julie Fine that a 12-year-old girl from Tarentum was flown to UPMC Children's Hospital by helicopter. Her name and condition have not been released, but officials said she suffered a broken leg.

The 12-year-old girl was the only student on the bus at the time of the crash, officials said.

St. Luke’s Pastor Barry Keurulainan said the students at the school held a prayer service for the girl and the driver Friday. Keurulainan also said he visited the girl Thursday night at the hospital.

“This is a time to teach about trauma and embrace faith,” Keurulainan said. "She responded so well last night despite her injuries. We said a prayer and she said amen."

Keurulainan added that Webb was loved by the teachers.

"We know the bus drivers. They live in the community. We know they are hurting as well, and we trust the kids with them every day," Keurulainan said.

The crash remains under investigation.