BREMERTON – The driver of a pickup truck who was hauling a load of bark in a trailer was cited for driving too fast for conditions after he crashed into Mercedes sedan and a school bus around 4:06 p.m. Jan. 12.

According to the Washington State Patrol, Steven G. Brett, 63, of Bremerton, was cited for driving too fast for conditions.

Brett was northbound on State Route 3, about one mile south of Bremerton, and approaching the intersection with Lake Flora Road in a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck.

Just ahead of him, a southbound yellow 2016 Bluebird school bus was stopped with its lights and stop sign paddles activated. A northbound 2000 Mercedes sedan was stopped for the bus.

Brett allegedly was driving too fast for conditions and swerved over the center line, causing the trailer to begin oscillating back and forth. The trailer struck the Mercedes and the school bus causing the bus to go into a ditch.

The load of bark in the trailer spilled all over the highway. The trailer was totaled but the truck itself was driven from the scene.

Responding aid crews checked the 13 children riding in the school bus. One child was transported to Harrison Medical Center as a precaution.

The driver of the school bus, a 52-year-old Port Orchard woman, was injured and taken to Harrison Medical Center. The bus had reportable damage and was towed from the scene.

Brett and the driver of the Mercedes, who was from Bremerton, were not injured. The Mercedes had reportable damage and was driven from the scene.

All three motorists were wearing seat belts.