Two Wright City East Elementary students were treated and released from the hospital and back in school the same day that a school bus they were riding in struck another vehicle. Both students were transported by ambulance as a precaution following the two-vehicle accident. The wreck occurred Thursday, Nov. 19, at 8:37 a.m. on the North Service Road near the Wright City Meat Market. The bus was carrying 35 students at the time. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the school bus driver, identified as 64-year-old Richard H. Buehner, was driving on the North Service Road when he backed into a vehicle that was following him. R-II Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines said the school bus driver apparently put the vehicle in reverse after noticing a student who came out late to a pickup spot. Gaines, who arrived at the scene shortly thereafter, said two male students were complaining of aches and pains. After talking with parents for both by phone, it was decided to have them transported to the hospital as a precaution. The students, identified as Ian C. McPherson, 6, and Eduardo G. Christine, 7, were taken to St. Joseph Hospital West and released soon after. Gaines said he visited the school later in the afternoon and saw both boys. "They both looked like they were doing good and having fun," he remarked. The other students on the bus were checked out at the scene and also later visited by officers at the school, Gaines said. He was thankful the accident didn't lead to any further injuries. "We're glad all of the students were safe," he said. "They unfortunately had an exciting Thursday morning. The students seemed to be well. We're grateful we have fire and ambulance so close by. Their response times were great." The vehicle struck by the bus was a 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass, driven by Michelle L. Evans, 26, of Wright City. The car was totaled in the accident, the Patrol said. The bus received only minor damage. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, the Patrol reported. The school bus was en route to Wright City East to drop off the students. A second bus arrived to take the kids to school. Upon arrival to the school, Gaines noted that the students were allowed to east breakfast before proceeding to their classroom. The school bus is owned and operated by First Student, Inc. A First Student spokesman said the driver was suspended pending an internal investigation. He was allowed back to work Tuesday afternoon.