Four people — including two children — were hospitalized after a school bus overturned in Texas on Monday morning.
According to reports from KXXV-TV, KBTX-TV, and KHOU11, the crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 3 when a bus belonging to the Iola Independent School District (ISD) swerved on FM 244 to avoid an oncoming vehicle, as confirmed by the Texas Department of Safety (DPS).
The driver, an aide, and two students were on board at the time and were hospitalized with minor injuries.
Iola ISD confirmed the accident in a Facebook post, noting that “everyone is safe.” The district stated, “A few students and the driver sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital as a precaution for further evaluation.” Officials added that families of the students involved had been contacted directly and expressed gratitude for the swift response of emergency personnel and school staff.
Sergeant Justin Ruiz of the Texas Department of Public Safety told KXXV-TV that the bus was traveling northbound when a white SUV allegedly veered into its lane. “It is said that there is a possible involved white SUV that the driver of the bus stated may have come into her lane, so she swerved to the right a little bit, went into the ditch here, and then rolled over,” Ruiz said.
Authorities reported that the white SUV did not stop following the incident, and troopers are working to locate the vehicle. The Texas DPS is continuing its investigation.
After the crash, DPS cleared the bus from the scene, though visible gashes in the dirt and grass marked where it had rolled, according to KXXV-TV. Nearby resident Scott Kelley told the outlet he was alarmed when he saw the wreck.
“Well, honestly, I was like, ‘God, I hope everyone’s OK,’ because it looked major, and the last thing you want is for someone to be critically injured or worse,” Kelley said. “I’m just grateful that no one was seriously hurt — that’s the main thing.”
