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School bus goes for a dip in Pecatonica River
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DARLINGTON - A runaway bus in Darlington rolled into the Pecatonica River early Wednesday morning, Feb. 29, according to Darlington police.

An officer was dispatched at about 3:30 a.m. for a report that an Al's Trucking Company bus was partially submerged in the river.

An investigation revealed the unoccupied bus slipped out of gear and rolled about 30 to 40 yards from the company's lot at 123 East River Street across the road and down a hill into the riverbank.

"It was kind of during that storm that went through last night. I don't know if the wind had anything to do with it," said Al's Trucking employee Mike Whalen.

It's likely the parking brake slipped out or wasn't in place, Whalen said. The accident is a first - at least during his time with the company.

"I've been here 20 years and it hasn't happened," he said.

Nobody was injured, according to police. The bus sustained minor water damage to the engine and was towed from the riverbank.