The driver of a bus that crashed this morning on the I-10 westbound at the High Rise, sending several children to the hospital, did not have a permit to drive the bus, according to a report from WWL-TV.
The report states the driver was convicted three years ago of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, making him ineligible to legally operate a school bus.
The report also cites New Orleans spokesman Beau Tidwell as saying the bus that crashed this morning never received an inspection required under the city's newly-passed school bus safety rules.
Nine students hurt in that school bus crash were taken to the emergency room, according to New Orleans Police.
Orleans Parish Schools Superintendent Henderson Lewis said the school bus was carrying 14 students to James M. Singleton Charter School when it struck the left guard rail and overturned just after 7:00 a.m. near Louisa Street.
New Orleans EMS said one student is in "serious but stable condition."