FARMINGTON – A SAD 9 bus driver was accidentally hit Friday morning by a bus at the school system’s bus garage on Middle Street.

Driver Craig Richard, 46, of Farmington was walking across the bus parking area when a bus driven by Gregory Oakes, 64, of Industry struck him, causing him to fall to the ground.

Oakes, who was driving a 1994 Bluebird bus, could not see the driver as he pulled out of the parking area at 6:34 a.m.

In the early morning darkness, the dark blue uniform worn by the drivers could not be seen, according to a report by the investigating officer, Matthew Brann of Farmington Police.

Able to get up on his own, Richard complained of pain and was transported to Franklin Memorial Hospital by LifeStar Ambulance where he was checked and released, said Superintendent Michael Cormier on Monday.

Richard was expected to return to work at the garage Monday, Cormier added.

It was an unfortunate accident and the driver of the bus feels terrible, Cormier said.

Efforts to reach Richard were unsuccessful.