LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) – A bus driver is suspended without pay, as of May 18, after the driver's bus was caught on video dragging a 7-year-old girl.
The driver was identified as Melinda Sanders.
Ally Rednour, a first grader at Wilkerson Elementary, is recovering at home Monday afternoon with severe road rash.
There were smiles of triumph from Ally Rednour as she headed home from the hospital Sunday, less than 48 hours after her school bus dragged her down the road. Though she can't stand for very long, she has no broken or fractured bones.
A neighbor's surveillance camera captured the Wilkerson Elementary schooler being dragged.
Ally's mother, a bus driver herself, tells me she can't discuss what exactly happened. She does say her child was dragged 2,100 feet, not 100 feet as police previously reported. Still she survived with just severe road rash, and foot and knee injuries that needed stitches.
Esther Karschner, a resident in the area that this incident happened, said she also closely observed the bus driver after it happened. She said she hesitates to pass judgment on the woman.
"It could happen to any bus driver it could happen to any driver, Karschner said.
Since the accident on Friday, there's been an outpouring of support for Ally Rednour and her family. A post on the "I Am Dixie Highway" Facebook page said Oliver Outdoors on Valley Station Road is collecting donations to buy gift cards for the family--to help with everyday needs like food and gas.
Gould's Discount Medical has agreed to loan Ally a child-sized wheelchair, to help her get around while she recovers. Ally Rednour's mom said she plans to go pick it up on Tuesday.