VIDALIA — An early morning accident involving a school bus and a garbage truck sent more than 40 students to local hospitals.

The driver of the bus, James Cockerham, is in critical condition and was taken to University Medical Center by helicopter.

However details at the scene were few.

Nearly 30 students were taken to Riverland Hospital in Ferriday.

The hospital’s administrator, Vernon Stevens, said most of the students did not sustain major injuries.

Stevens said most students were being treated for cuts and bruises.

Approximately 13 students were taken to Natchez Regional Medical and were being treated for similar injuries.

The hospital’s public relations director, Kay Ketchings, said two students were being treated for fractures.

A parent at Riverland said the students were headed to Vidalia Upper, and Lower, Elementary.