When people hear the words "school bus accident," they often shutter at the thought of innocent children getting hurt. While transporting kids to school in the massive vehicles is generally very safe, accidents do happen. Sometimes crashes occur when other drivers disobey ordinary traffic rules.

One such accident occurred late last week in Monroe. At the time of the crash, a dozen students who attend the Central Academy of Technology and Arts High School in Union County were riding the school bus.

At about four o'clock in the afternoon at the intersection of Goldmine Road and Airport Road, the 22-year-old driver of a black Toyota Scion apparently ran a red light and crashed into the bus. Witnesses apparently reported seeing her run the light and cross into the path of the bus.

Several students were injured in the crash. Luckily, none of their injuries was considered life-threatening. Five of the students were taken to Carolinas Medical Center-Union for treatment of minor injuries. They were all released from the hospital by Thursday evening.

Troopers with the Highway Patrol say that they believe the woman was at fault. Unfortunately, she suffered head injuries and was in critical condition after being taken to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

A picture posted to WCNC's website shows the woman's totaled car. The front end of the bus appeared to be badly damaged as well.

The mother of one of the children who rides the bus daily says that people tend to speed a lot near Goldmine and Airport Roads.

Source: WCNC, "School bus wreck injures 6 in Union County," Dianne Gallagher, Feb. 16, 2012