The Ohio State Highway Patrol Wilmington Post is investigating a two-vehicle fatal traffic crash on State Route 321 near milepost 4 at approximately 7 a.m. Monday.

Helen M. Dean, 54, of Sardinia was traveling southeast on State Route 321 in a 1996 Honda Passport 4-door. Linda S. Bellamy, 61, of Winchester was traveling southeast on State Route 321 and was operating a 2015 Blue Bird school bus. Bellamy was preparing to pick up students when the bus was struck in the rear by the Honda Passport operated by Dean, according to the OSHP.

Bellamy was not injured in the crash. Five students from Whiteoak High School were subsequently transported to local hospitals by EMS personnel for non-life threatening injuries.

Dean was pronounced dead at the scene by the Highland County Coroner’s office.

The school bus is owned by the Bright Local School District in Mowrystown.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by Sardina, Mt. Orab and Highland County Fire/EMS, Highland County Sheriff’s office, Ohio State Highway Patrol Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Dean was not restrained at the time of the crash. Bellamy was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash, police said.

The crash still remains under investigation.