Overview
- Authorities say the crash occurred early Monday when a westbound Chevy Malibu crossed the center line, struck the bus’s rear and tore off a tire, which sent the bus into a head‑on collision with a Jeep that caught fire.
- Two people died at the scene, including an unnamed 10th‑grade girl who was on the bus and the driver of the Jeep, police and the sheriff’s office confirmed.
- The bus carried 39 people—37 students, the bus driver and the driver’s 9‑year‑old daughter—and first responders transported roughly two dozen students to hospitals with five to seven trauma alerts and at least one person in critical condition.
- Investigators describe the probe as preliminary; the driver of the Chevy Malibu is cooperating with police and has not been arrested, and authorities said they will release more details at follow‑up briefings.
- School and county officials noted buses are equipped with seatbelts and students practice evacuation drills, and local leaders called for community support as families are reunited and officials review safety and roadway factors.