Jones County, MS (November 15, 2024) – A two-vehicle collision on Wednesday afternoon left both drivers with injuries. The crash occurred on U.S. 84 in Jones County when a 2014 KIA Soul collided with an empty 2010 Bluebird school bus. Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) troopers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3 p.m.
According to MHP, the accident occurred when 30-year-old Kristen Bates of Monticello, driving the KIA Soul eastbound on U.S. 84, collided with the school bus. The bus, driven by 83-year-old Gerald Touchstone of Laurel, was traveling south and crossed into the eastbound lanes at the time of the crash. Fortunately, the school bus was unoccupied at the time, and no students were on board.
Both drivers sustained minor injuries in the crash and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The collision remains under investigation by MHP, who will work to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Vehicle Collisions in Mississippi
Mississippi’s roadways, especially busy routes like U.S. 84, are no strangers to accidents, but this crash stands out due to the involvement of a school bus, which thankfully was empty at the time. School buses are often a focal point of road safety concerns, and while this incident did not result in serious injury or involve passengers, it still serves as a reminder of the need for heightened awareness when driving near school buses or other large vehicles.
The drivers of both vehicles in this crash were fortunate to have only sustained minor injuries. However, incidents like these can have more severe consequences, and the fact that the school bus was empty was a key factor in preventing more serious injuries. As the investigation continues, MHP will likely look into factors such as road conditions, speed, and driver error to determine what led to the collision.
In Jones County and other rural areas of Mississippi, traffic safety is especially critical due to the sometimes unpredictable nature of rural roads. Drivers are encouraged to always stay alert and adjust their speed accordingly when sharing the road with large vehicles like buses and trucks.
As the investigation into this incident progresses, local authorities continue to urge caution and responsible driving. For those involved in similar crashes, understanding your rights and seeking legal guidance can be essential. Local Accident Reports provides timely updates and resources to help guide victims of accidents through their recovery and legal processes.