One of the most dangerous vehicles on the roads -- a tractor-trailer -- hit one of the safest vehicles - a school bus -- and sent 32 people, including 29 children, to a nearby hospital, a media source reported yesterday.

One of the children, a nine-year-old boy, was ejected from the bus through the escape hatch in the vehicle's roof. One child was listed in critical condition at a hospital.

The truck accident was far from us here in Charlotte, but it's the kind of event that sends shivers down the spines of parents everywhere.

The collision happened Tuesday morning at about 7:30 when a truck carrying hardware supplies ran a central Texas stop sign and clipped the bus.

The impact flipped the bus onto its side, knocking the bus driver unconscious. Twenty-six of the children headed for a school about 60 miles from Austin were treated at a hospital and released.

Three children were admitted to the medical facility.

The media source we read didn't make it clear if the child in critical condition is the boy who was ejected.

Officials said the three hospitalized children are expected to recover, but "they all face a long road" to full recovery said the school superintendent.

The bus driver was also listed by the hospital in critical condition.

The truck driver was treated and released, a spokesperson said.

Officials said at the time of the crash, there was fog in the area but they weren't sure if weather conditions played a role in the crash.

The superintendent said the bus was carrying 38 students from all grades when it was hit. The bus was on its way to the first of its three school drop-offs.

We're thankful no one was killed and we hope those who suffered serious injuries have speedy and full recoveries.

Source: Associated Press: "Texas School Bus Crash Sends 32 to Hospital," Jan. 18, 2012