42 Students Involved in Texas School Bus Rollover Crash

Words from school that no family wants to receive on the first day of school: "We have some difficult news to share."

A school bus in Travis County carrying 42 children was involved in a rollover crash on the very first day of school. Around 3:15 p.m., the crash was reported to Austin-Travis County EMS.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the bus rolled over after rounding a curve. Inside the bus were 42 children and the adult bus driver.

A First Day Turned Tragic

A total of 42 children and one adult were on the bus when the rollover happened. Eleven of the children and the bus driver were immediately taken to the hospital. Ten more children were taken from the crash scene, and two other children with minor injuries were taken to a reunification center.

Francisca Suarez's grandson was on the bus when the crash happened. Full of emotion, she was reunited with him at the reunification center, but she feels like the whole ordeal has shaken the kids.

"I believe the kids don't ... I don't believe they want to go on the bus ... especially my grandson doesn't want to," Suarez said.

School District’s Response

Later that evening, Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing sent a letter to families, starting with, "We have some difficult news to share." It continues with details about the crash and assures families that there will be an abundance of support available through this emotional time.

"As of the latest update, a total of 17 people were transported by Austin-Travis County EMS. Two people sustained serious injuries, but as of now, all individuals with injuries are in stable condition," the letter continues.

Safety Measures in Place

The particular bus was equipped with seatbelts and was a relatively new model.