Multiple Kids Trapped in Wreckage After School Bus Rolls Over on Way Back from Field Trip
[April 21, 2025] — A routine school field trip turned into a nightmare Monday afternoon when a school bus carrying dozens of elementary students rolled over on a winding rural road, trapping multiple children in the wreckage and triggering a massive emergency response.
The accident occurred just after 3:15 p.m. on Route 67, approximately 10 miles outside of Pine Ridge, as the bus was returning from a day-long field trip to a local nature preserve. Authorities said the bus veered off the road on a sharp curve before flipping onto its side and skidding down a shallow embankment.
According to the county sheriff’s department, the bus was carrying 36 students, three chaperones, and the driver. Preliminary reports suggest that several children were trapped inside the vehicle for more than 30 minutes before emergency crews were able to access the full interior using hydraulic equipment, including the “Jaws of Life.”
“It’s one of the worst school bus accidents this area has seen in years,” said Fire Chief Daniel Mercer, speaking from the scene. “Our teams responded immediately, and multiple children were rescued from beneath crumpled seats and twisted metal. Several were transported by helicopter due to the seriousness of their injuries.”
Mercer added that while there were no confirmed fatalities as of Monday evening, at least eight students were in critical condition, and more than a dozen others sustained injuries ranging from broken bones to concussions.
Helicopters airlifted the most severely injured to trauma centers in nearby cities, while others were transported by ambulance to local hospitals. Parents rushed to the scene and to nearby emergency rooms, many visibly distraught and desperate for information.
Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash. However, early witness accounts suggest the bus may have been traveling too fast for the road conditions. Light rain had fallen earlier in the day, making the roads slick.
The bus, operated by a private transportation contractor under the local school district, is now at the center of an investigation. The driver, who has not been publicly identified, is among those hospitalized and is expected to survive. Investigators plan to question the driver once stable, and will review onboard GPS data and maintenance logs.
The school district issued a statement late Monday:
“Our hearts are with the students, families, and staff involved in today’s tragic accident. We are working closely with first responders and hospitals to support everyone affected and ensure all families are kept informed.”
Counseling teams will be available at the school beginning Tuesday morning to assist students and staff.
The scene of the crash has been cleared, but wreckage remains visible on the hillside. Yellow caution tape and emergency lights illuminate what is now a site of heartbreak and unanswered questions.
As the community waits for updates, many are holding onto hope — and to each other — in the wake of a day no one will forget.
