Van repeatedly runs into school bus on I-5 in downtown Seattle

A 48 year-old man is facing charges of assault, DUI and possession of felony drugs after repeatedly ramming his van into a school bus on I-5 in downtown Seattle Friday morning.

It happened in the northbound lanes at Seneca Street shortly after 10 a.m.

Trooper Rick Johnson said it may have happened accidentally. He said the van rear-ended the bus, but then kept trying to push it forward.  It then backed up and hit the bus again.

Police said the reason for the driver's behavior was not immediately known.

Scroll down to continue reading.

When a sergeant arrived at the scene, the van backed into his police car.

The driver of the van is in custody and the passenger ran from the scene, but police caught up with him at James Street and he was detained.  Both are being checked out by medics.

Everyone on the bus is OK. About 40 children were on their way to Seattle Center.

Drivers should expect delays while police investigate.

The Washington State Department of Transportation says the I-5 express lanes will remain in the southbound direction while police investigate on NB I-5 near Seneca. There is not word yet when the express lanes will switch to the northbound direction.

As of 10:54 a.m., Johnson said the scene was expected to be cleared within 30 minutes.

More news from KIRO 7

• Man killed in apparent road rage shooting on I-5
• Local woman who escaped serial killer Ted Bundy shares her story in exclusive interview
• Drivers skeptical of plans to meter Mercer on-ramps to I-5
• PHOTOS: Ted Bundy evidence photos [GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING] 
• BBB issues alert; scam stealing phone numbers from T-Mobile customers to steal money expands

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Cox Media Group