Van Driver Seriously Injured In Wreck With School Bus

September 15, 2009

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A Bratt man van was seriously injured in a rear end collision with a school bus on Highway 4 in Bratt Tuesday morning..

The accident happened about 6:20 a.m. near the First Baptist Church of Bratt. The impact of the crash sent the 2003 Chevrolet Venture van under the bus, lifting the back of the bus off the ground. The rear bumper of the bus traveled into the van, stopping very near the driver side headrest.

Courtney D. Gibson, 17, a senior at West Florida High School, was crossing the road in front of the bus at the time of the crash. She was knocked to the ground by the bus bumper as the bus moved forward about 21 feet following the impact. Gibson was not injured other than a scratch on her arm. She was the first stop for the bus that travels to West Florida High School.

The van driver has been identified as Jesse Warner, 36, of Bratt.

Warner  was transported by ambulance to Atmore Community Hospital; LifeFlight was unable to respond due to fog. He was transferred to USA Medical Center in Mobile where  he was listed in serious condition Tuesday afternoon.

The bus driver, Brenda L. Strickland, 59, of Pensacola, was not injured.

The Florida Highway Patrol report states that Warner was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, and that alcohol was not a factor in the accident.  Warner was cited, according to the FHP, for failure to use due care and careless driving.

The FHP said the flashing lights and stop signs were activated at the time of the crash.

For a photo gallery from the scene, click here.

Pictured above and below: The driver of this van was critically injured in a collision with a school bus Tuesday morning in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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Comments

50 Responses to “Van Driver Seriously Injured In Wreck With School Bus”

  1. glenda phillips on December 10th, 2015 7:18 pm

    i’m glenda phillips i’m a caregiver, i have Jessie Warner in my care Jessie is very blessed.. he is very loving ,,, jessica and Jayda both are loved so much by their Dad, and he says they love me, and i love them ,i know for Jessica and jayda they will never have the Dad they once had, but praise God they still have a Dad that loves them…..

  2. Angi on January 1st, 2010 11:45 am

    UPDATED NEWS:
    Driver of the van (Jesse Warner) is now home after spending quite some time in hospitals, ICU and a couple rehabs… Since he had so much head truama, his mind still comes and goes; he is just not the same Jesse. We all still pray that he will get back to his old self, but right now it is being said that it is doubtful…

  3. morgan;] on September 20th, 2009 2:59 pm

    jessica , i know this is late lol sorry, you are not only my best friend your my sister;]
    and i love you, your dad was like my second dad and was always there for me :] i know i have already seen him at the hospital and you tell me news everyday ;]
    but just know im praying for your family and you and your dad, we have had so many great memories together and god will get yall through this :]
    i know he is doing very well and this is like a week late lol sorry:]
    love – morgan:]

  4. Concerned Mom on September 18th, 2009 8:43 am

    This morning, not even a week after this accident I saw a car tail-gating a bus with children on it going to Bratt Elementary. It weaved back & forth until it could pass the bus. What is wrong with this picture!

  5. Rhonda Lassiter on September 17th, 2009 8:09 pm

    Lisa, You and your family are in my prayers, keep your faith. I know he will pull through and soon be home with all.

  6. Ms. Mac on September 16th, 2009 11:10 am

    My prayers goes to the driver of the van and to the bus driver. Everyone needs to take a step back and be thanksful everyday when you wake up, and go to bed that you have made it through another day. There is much we take for granted and in a second it can be taken from us. The bus drivers of escambia county face challenges every day. They make sure your children are taken to school and brought back home as safe as they can. We as drivers need to see the RED ahead and stop for those busses. Childrens lives are in our hands.

  7. Jordyn Dunsford & Family on September 16th, 2009 8:54 am

    Jessica & Family,

    We are praying for you all! We pray the Lord will give you all strength and faith for what you are going through.

  8. Zach Johnson on September 16th, 2009 7:46 am

    Jessica, I am so sorry that this happened to your dad. My prayers will be with you all.

  9. Alanna Johnson on September 16th, 2009 7:18 am

    Jessica im so sorry to hear bout your dad hope he gets better soon and ill be praying
    Love Alanna

  10. gloria holl on September 16th, 2009 5:15 am

    Jessica, I am praying for you and your family. God is watching over you and your Dad , He will see you through this hard time, Your dad is in my prayers and in a lot of others also. If you need anything tell Ariel to call her mawmaw.

  11. Tara Carter on September 15th, 2009 10:47 pm

    Lisa,

    I’m so sorry that Jesse and you and your family are being put through this. I’m hoping and praying that he recovers quickly! Please know that there are lots of people praying for ya’ll.

    Love,
    Tara

  12. Tyler Pecevich on September 15th, 2009 10:15 pm

    To all my cousins,

    i’m really sorry this has happened to uncle jesse. god, it’s unbelievable. but i hope he has a speedy recovery and i will be at the hospital tomorrow. but i love you guys and hang in there.

    love ,
    Tyler and Blake

  13. RPANGEL30 on September 15th, 2009 10:03 pm

    I DONT KNOW THE DRIVER OF THE VAN HOWEVER I DO LIVE IN HWY 4 IN BRATT AND WAS TAKING MY SON TO SCHOOL THIS AM WHEN I SEEN THIS WRECK, IT HAS JUST DEVASTATED ME ALL DAY TO THINK ABOUT THIS POOR MAN AND HIS FAMILY AS WELL AS THE BLESSING THE DRIVER OF THE BUS AND YOUNG LADY GETTING ON THE BUS. I WILL BE PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER OF THIS VAN, ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND I HOPE AND PRAY IT WILL BE THE LORDS WILL TO HELP HIM RECOVER FULLY AND AS FAST AS POSSIBLE SO HE CAN BE HOME WITH HIS FAMILY. MY GOD KEEP YOU ALL SAFE AND BLESS YOU !

  14. Kaye Barrow on September 15th, 2009 9:32 pm

    Lisa and Family,

    Our prayers are with you. May God hold each of you close and give you peace. We are praying for Jesse’s healing.

    Kaye Barrow

  15. Kaitlyn Barrow on September 15th, 2009 9:25 pm

    Jessica, I am praying for you and your family. Draw close to Jesus, He will see you through this hard time, it’s going to be ok. Your dad is in my prayers.

    Your friend,
    Kaitlyn Barrow

  16. Ashley Cunningham on September 15th, 2009 9:08 pm

    Jessica,

    I am sooo sorry about your Dad. Your Dad is in my prayers for a full & speedy recovery. I love you & we missed you today at cheer practice!!

    Love ya!!
    Ashley Cunningham =)

  17. NHS CHEERLEADERS on September 15th, 2009 8:38 pm

    Jessica we’re all praying for you. We love you and will continually keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers!

  18. Meagan Reid on September 15th, 2009 8:09 pm

    Jayda I am sorry to hear about your dad . I know he will make it through the surgery. He will be ok. All u git to do is pray.Jay Jay i like that comment u put about your dad. I promise i will pray for him . MY family would keep your family in your prayers . I

  19. .... on September 15th, 2009 7:32 pm

    GODDD BLESSS YOUU ANDDD YALLLSSS FAAMMILLYYY ANNDD FRIENNDDDDSSSSS!!!!!

  20. Hugh Westbrook on September 15th, 2009 7:21 pm

    lisa,i’m so sorry this happened.i think of yall often.tell jessie that i pray for him & all of you.if there is anything i can do,please let me know.i will keep a check on yall. Hugh W ESTBROOK

  21. Harley Caraway on September 15th, 2009 6:59 pm

    Jessica, Jensen, Jake, and other child, im sorry i can’t remember your name! i love you all and i hope you know that!
    This wreck was terrible and you can count on me coming to see you in the hospital nomatter what it takes. You will always be in my prayers and in my families too. Mr. Warner, my heart goes to you. For what Jessica has said about you, you are a wonder father and don’t let anyone tell you different! I love you Mr. Warner and i will always look to you as an idol. Im sure that our church will keep you in our prayers. Dont ever forget me. And don’ t worry you will be just fine and up and running like your bike crew ” Hell’s Angels” all the way! ily ily ily

  22. joe walston on September 15th, 2009 6:39 pm

    i have known jessie and lisa for years and i truly pray jessie is ok im keepin jessie and his family in my prayers lisa i hope truly hope jess comes through this and does ok it will be long and very hard struggle for jess after this and if i can help jess in any way please let me know lisa

  23. Ashley M. on September 15th, 2009 6:33 pm

    Jessica, i am truely sorry this happened. i am keeping your whole family in my prayers cause thats all we can do is have God on our side. this was a very terrible accident but i pray he is gonna be okay! i love you jessica, and hope your dad gets better.

  24. kar-bryan on September 15th, 2009 6:10 pm

    I am so glad that that god was with these two people in the crash prayzz god that there alive. I will keep familey in my prayer.

  25. venus (friend) on September 15th, 2009 5:54 pm

    Glad to hear that the Lord was watching out for Miss Courtney Gibson today. I’m very glad to hear that she is ok, and just got some bruises.

  26. venus (friend) on September 15th, 2009 5:48 pm

    Jessica,

    Sorry that ya’ll r going through this. I’ve prayed for Jesse every since I found out this morning that he was in the wreck. Also tell mom if anything u need just call me. Things will get better just hang on in there. Keep me updated on him. He’ll be home with you soon.

    Venus

    P.S. We love ya’ll all.

  27. Angi Baker (Friend/neighbor) on September 15th, 2009 5:18 pm

    Daddy I love you very much, please get better and come home soon…
    Love,
    Jayda

  28. Angi Baker (Friend/neighbor) on September 15th, 2009 5:17 pm

    I have been with the family since Jesse was taken to atmore hospital, he was transported to USA hospital in mobile alabama… They are trying to keep him stable, last reports while I was there was that he has bruised lungs, fractures to the skull a large gash in bottom lip and in forhead, he is also on a ventilator to help him breath since the lungs are bruised, they have also put a tube into his head to remove the fluid on the brain… We are all hoping and praying that Jesse will come through this tragic accident, so that he can be back with his family and friends…
    ~Angi
    P.S. Daddy we love you, from Jensyn and Jake

  29. Nick on September 15th, 2009 5:12 pm

    Please keep Jessie and his family in your prayers. And may God be with the surgeons.

  30. foster mom on September 15th, 2009 5:09 pm

    Praise God Courtney was not seriously injured. She was hit by the bus bumped due to the impact of the van. She was crossing in front of the bus at the time of the accident but God has great plans for her life. I am praying for the Warner family. I do pray God will heal Jesse quickly. Jehovah Ropha is the Great Physician and He can heal Jesse completely. (God had His arms around this special young lady and I know He has His arms around this family now also.)

  31. wayne & amy on September 15th, 2009 4:33 pm

    Please remember to keep this family in your daily prayers, Jessie has a long road to recovery. God is in control and I pray that he will receive the praise through everything that will be accomplished.

    For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:10-12

  32. jen kline on September 15th, 2009 3:54 pm

    My heart and prayers go out to the whole Warner family…Lisa, hang in there,keep the faith.If there is anything I can do to help..
    Jen,Kaitlyn and Gabrielle

  33. Safety first on September 15th, 2009 3:23 pm

    Looks like they might need to start putting the Rear Impact Guards on busses like they do semi truck trailers. Just imagine if that had been a small sports car!

  34. vanessa on September 15th, 2009 2:37 pm

    OMG IM GLAD NO ONE WAS KILLED ILL KEEP THE DRIVER OF THE VAN IN MY PRAYERS….IM SURE THE PARENTS OF THE 2 KIDS WERE FREAKING OUT I KNOW I WOULD!!!

  35. tata on September 15th, 2009 2:32 pm

    gasp!

  36. BamaMom on September 15th, 2009 2:18 pm

    I hope every youth driving those roads in the morning is made to look at these photos. Just because you know the road doesn’t mean it’s a safe drive.

  37. Deni on September 15th, 2009 1:58 pm

    God bless you Jesse! We`ll be praying for you.

  38. Ashkley and Christopher Jaye Moye on September 15th, 2009 1:30 pm

    Jessica, This Is To You , Your Other Sisters And Brother, I Am Very Sorry To Hear This, One Could Only Know The Feeling By Going Through Such A Tragedy Themselves,But I Know I Would Hate For Something Like This To Happen In My Family Or To My Sons Father, Our Prayers Are With You AlL !!!! Keep Faith…..
    Ashley And Christopher Moye

  39. J. Gray on September 15th, 2009 1:18 pm

    I also noticed the lack of skid marks so it will be interesting to see how this accident happened. Glad to see that the children on the bus and the bus driver weren’t not injured. I sincerely hope that the driver of the van makes a full and complete recovery.

  40. molino jim on September 15th, 2009 1:13 pm

    I tried see if there were skid marks on the road—didn’t see any. The rear of the bus appears to have been raised and moved to the side. I understand there was fog which would be a great reason to slow down. This had to a very hard impact. Hope the driver recovers fast and can receive the hugs from his family that he needs. He is hurting right now—but is still alive.

  41. The Wright's on September 15th, 2009 1:12 pm

    Jessica, I am deeply saddened by the news of the accident. My family and I will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers as will our prayer group. I know this will be a difficult time and there are few words that can provide comfort right now. The Lord is Merciful and will see you and your family through this.

    Heal me O Lord, and I shall be healed. Save me O Lord and I shall be saved, for you are the one I praise.
    Jeremiah 17:14

    Joe, Tami, Elizabeth and Victoria

  42. Janice on September 15th, 2009 12:59 pm

    OMG, Jessica! I am praying for your daddy Sweetie

  43. Tammy Reid on September 15th, 2009 12:53 pm

    Jessica, thanks for the update of your dad. i hope and pray that he makes a full recovery. Put your faith in God!!! We will keep you and your family in our prays.

  44. jennifer on September 15th, 2009 12:48 pm

    I hope the person gets well and I am sorry this happened.

  45. jessica warner on September 15th, 2009 12:03 pm

    I am jesses daughter. We are at the hospital and he is doin very well, he has to have sugery and has multiple fractures on his face.he has fluid on his brain but he will recover, keep him in your prayers. Thank you! :)

  46. William on September 15th, 2009 9:24 am

    The road was reopened about 9 a.m.

  47. Chief Fan on September 15th, 2009 9:04 am

    Wow. Look at all the photos in the photo gallery. You’ll see the bumper in the seat and the bus tires up in the air!

    Praying for the person.

  48. willard purdue on September 15th, 2009 8:53 am

    It’s 8:50 and hwy. 4 at Bratt is still backed-up from the church to the crossroads. I hear them moving a little now.

  49. Michelle on September 15th, 2009 8:20 am

    Thank goodness there was no one in the passenger seat.

  50. Jay Sparks on September 15th, 2009 8:15 am

    this looks very bad, I hope the driver of the Van will be ok, although from the pictures it looks like they might be hurt very bad.