A school bus carrying more than 40 students rolled over on a rural road in Texas on the first day of classes, leaving several students injured. The crash happened on Wednesday afternoon in Leander, just after school let out, before any students were dropped off.
The yellow bus was traveling on a narrow, two-lane road when it veered off the right side for reasons that remain unknown and then flipped onto its side. It was raining at the time, but authorities are still investigating whether the weather played a role in the accident.
At least one person sustained life-threatening injuries and two others have potentially serious injuries, according to Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Fifteen students and the bus driver were taken to hospitals for treatment. Officials have not confirmed if the driver or any of the injured are students.
The bus belongs to the Leander Independent School District and was carrying mostly elementary school children. Superintendent Bruce Gearing shared that the bus is a 2024 model and is equipped with state-required seat belts, which the children were wearing at the time of the crash.
Video from the scene showed the bus lying on its side with a damaged roof and broken windows. Emergency crews responded quickly to the accident, and officials say they are providing support to the families affected.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Meanwhile, school leaders are keeping the injured students and their families in their thoughts and prayers as they recover.