FARWELL, Mich. — The driver of a semi tractor-trailer is being hailed as a hero for the actions he took to attempt to avoid a head-on collision with a school bus on Monday, potentially risking his own life.

Farwell Area Schools Superintendent Carl Seiter wrote on the district’s Facebook page that when a district bus entered his path, Ben Fiorenza drove his vehicle off the road and into a ditch.

According to the Clare County Sheriff’s Office, at about 6:50 a.m., the school bus driver had stopped at an intersection stop sign and waited for a vehicle to pass, MLive reports. The sheriff’s office stated that the bus driver then proceeded to cross the intersection, but did not see the semi tractor-trailer. Fiorenza attempted to avoid the crash but ended up colliding with the front of the bus. Deputies determined that a snowstorm reduced visibility and played a factor in the crash, according to MLive.

Seiter wrote on the district’s Facebook page that of the 15 students aboard the bus, three were taken to the hospital, and none had life-threatening injuries.

“The Northern Logistics driver is a hero as far as I am concerned," Seiter added. "His decision to risk his own life and take the truck into the ditch is what saved the lives of many. ... Thank you Ben Fiorenza!”

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