A devastating school bus crash on Wednesday left multiple students injured, some critically, when a bus carrying 42 children rolled over on a rural Texas road on the first day of the school year. The accident, which occurred shortly after classes ended in Leander Independent School District, has sent shockwaves through the community northwest of Austin.
The yellow school bus, a 2024 model equipped with state-mandated seat belts, veered off a two-lane rural road “for an unknown reason” and overturned, according to Department of Public Safety Sgt. Billy Ray. Assistant Chief Kevin Parker of Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services reported that at least one person suffered life-threatening injuries, with two others facing potentially life-threatening conditions. Authorities have not confirmed whether the most severely injured were students or the bus driver.
Video footage from the scene showed the bus on its side, its roof crumpled and several windows shattered, as emergency responders swarmed the area. Of the 42 elementary school students and the driver on board, 12 were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The crash occurred before any students had been dropped off, amplifying the scale of the tragedy.
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Superintendent Bruce Gearing expressed heartbreak over the incident, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the students, their families, and the driver. We are committed to supporting them through this difficult time.” The district has mobilized counselors and support services for students and staff, while parents anxiously awaited updates at a reunification center set up near the crash site.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, with early reports suggesting no other vehicles were involved. The road, a quiet stretch in rural Leander, remained closed for hours as first responders worked to secure the scene and assist the injured. The incident has raised questions about school bus safety, despite the vehicle’s compliance with Texas seat belt regulations.
Leander, a growing community of about 80,000 residents, is reeling from the accident, which marred what should have been a celebratory start to the academic year. The investigation continues, with officials urging the public to avoid speculation as they work to determine what led to the tragic rollover.
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