South Whidbey Primary School students got a bit more excitement than usual Friday when the school bus they were riding home in became stuck on the soft shoulder near Possession Point.

An Island County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the scene with flashing lights. A second school bus was sent to pick up the kids to finish the route.

No one was injured. A tow truck pulled the bus out of the muddy spot.

The mishap occurred at 4:30 p.m. at Brockman and Possession roads when driver Tom Arhontas was turning around.

“The driver was attempting a backing maneuver in the dark,” said Margaret Evans, transportation supervisor for the South Whidbey School District.

“It was about 4:30 p.m. and he missed the point due to darkness and a lot of leaves covering the road and shoulder. The rear tire of the bus stuck in the mud and the driver was unable to get enough traction to drive out.”

Arhontas followed normal procedures under the circumstances, Evans said.

“The kids actually thought it was fun, an adventure,” said Jan Smith, spokeswoman for the Island County sheriff. “Our deputy reported that they were delighted with his flashing lights and being escorted by him to the other bus.”