Franklin County, MO (November 19, 2024) – A collision involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle on US Highway 50 at County Line Rd resulted in injuries on Monday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. and was investigated by Trooper P. B. Martin.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2004 Ford Taurus, driven by a 71-year-old male from Rosebud, was traveling eastbound when it attempted to pass a 2020 Freightliner school bus that was slowing to turn left. The school bus, driven by a 59-year-old female from Gerald, was struck on its left side by the right side of the Ford as the bus turned.
Both vehicles were driven from the scene despite the Ford sustaining extensive damage. The driver of the school bus suffered injuries and was transported by Gerald Area Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for further evaluation. The driver of the Ford was uninjured, according to initial reports.
The crash was attributed to Driver 1’s failure to maintain a proper lookout ahead, leading to the misjudgment of the school bus’s turn. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Our thoughts are with the injured individual, and we hope for her speedy recovery.
School Bus Accidents in Missouri
Collisions involving school buses are less frequent but can be particularly concerning due to the size and nature of the vehicles. In Missouri, drivers are required to exercise caution when navigating near school buses, especially during turns or stops. Failing to keep a proper lookout or misjudging vehicle movements are common causes of accidents in these situations.
Missouri law emphasizes the importance of adhering to traffic rules and maintaining situational awareness to prevent such incidents. Local and state agencies continue efforts to educate drivers about safe practices, particularly on busy routes like US Highway 50.
For those injured in school bus-related crashes, recovery often involves medical treatment, insurance claims, and sometimes legal proceedings. Access to timely and accurate resources is vital to navigating the aftermath effectively.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a school bus accident, Local Accident Reports is here to provide updates and connect victims with resources to assist in recovery. Contact us for more information on how we can help during this difficult time.