1 Person Killed and 18 Others Injured in School Bus Crash, Police Suspect ‘Fatigued Driving’

One person died and 18 others were injured after a pickup truck collided with two school buses on a highway in central Utah.

According to a news release from the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP), troopers were called to U.S. Route 89 near Ephraim at about 8:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Dec. 12, for a crash involving two buses and a pickup truck.

Investigators said the pickup truck was heading southbound when it drifted “left of center.” The two school buses were traveling northbound in the same area. The truck first “grazed” the first bus before striking the second bus head-on, UHP said.

The first bus was carrying about 19 students, and authorities reported no injuries from that vehicle. The second bus had 17 students and a driver on board. UHP said all 18 occupants of the second bus were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries ranging in severity. Two people were reported in critical condition and were transported by air ambulance for additional treatment.

The pickup truck’s driver — identified as a 43-year-old man — died at the scene. UHP said investigators suspect fatigued driving may have played a role in the crash.

The buses were associated with Wasatch Academy, a college-preparatory boarding school in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, according to Fox 13 Salt Lake City. The school later confirmed in a statement on Saturday, Dec. 13, that two of its buses were involved.

“There were no student or faculty fatalities,” the school said, adding that several members of its community were injured and had received — or were continuing to receive — medical care. The statement said families were notified and offered condolences to those affected by the fatality in the other vehicle. The school also said it had activated trauma support services, adjusted academic schedules, and was prioritizing student safety and well-being.

KUTV reported that the school emailed parents early Saturday morning to say two students and one faculty member remained hospitalized.

The city of Mount Pleasant also shared condolences to the Wasatch Academy community, Fox 13 reported, saying it was holding everyone involved “close in our hearts” and wishing for comfort, strength, and healing.