The first day of school took a sudden turn in northwest Austin, Texas, on Wednesday, Aug. 13, when a bus carrying 42 elementary students rolled onto its side, injuring 16, officials said. The yellow bus, operated by the Leander Independent School District, was leaving a school when it veered into an embankment.
Bus overturns in northwest Austin
Austin-Travis County EMS initially transported 10 people — nine children and the bus driver — to the hospital. The Texas Department of Public Safety later said additional students were evaluated and needed medical care. In a post on X, ATCEMS reported that two children had serious injuries, but none were life-threatening. The other 14 who were hospitalized suffered minor injuries.
Local station KXAN reported that the children were coming from Bagdad Elementary School. ATCEMS responded to the crash shortly after 3:15 p.m.
Bus details and investigation
In a press conference, the Texas Department of Public Safety said a preliminary investigation found the bus was traveling on a slight curve when it left the road and rolled onto its side. Although it was raining at the time, investigators have not determined if the weather was a factor.
Texas officials said the bus was equipped with state-regulated seat belts, but it was not immediately known whether all students were wearing them during the crash…