MADISON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WCMH) – A child was hit by a car shortly after exiting a school bus then was life-flighted to Nationwide Children’s Hospital on Friday afternoon.

A child was getting off a Miami Trace Local Schools District bus on U.S. Route 62 North between Harrison Road and Post Road when a 2020 Dodge Ram driving southbound struck two stationary cars from behind, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. 

The middle car hit by the truck, a 2010 Ford Fusion, then hit a 2013 Honda Civic. After bouncing off the Civic, the Fusion continued traveling across the yellow line into the northbound lane, off the east side of the road, then hitting the 12-year-old child. The child was thrown through the air and landed in a yard while the Fusion continued along a ditch on the side of the road, stopping at the back of the school bus.

The child was flown to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in an unknown condition. Their condition has not been released by the sheriff’s office as of Saturday evening.

The driver of the Fusion, a 21-year-old man, was taken to Adena Fayette Emergency Room. The driver of the Civic, a 43-year-old man, and the driver of the pickup, a 28-year-old man, were treated at the scene.

The driver of the pickup was issued a summons for failing to maintain an assured clear distance ahead, with an initial court appearance set for Washington Municipal Court. Police do not believe that alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

The school bus itself was not hit in the crash.

An investigation into the incident continues.