Royalton, WI (February 15, 2025) – A serious accident involving a school bus and a pickup truck pulling a trailer left three young children injured Wednesday afternoon in Waupaca County.
The crash occurred around 4 p.m. on Highway 54 and Pine St when a pickup truck struck the back of a stopped school bus. The impact threw 5-year-old Vera Kruescher from the bus onto the pavement as she was stepping off. Her two sisters, who were still inside, were pushed back into the bus by the force of the collision.
Emergency responders arrived quickly to assess and treat the injured children. According to their father, Shane Kruescher, the girls sustained bumps, bruises, and minor scratches but were otherwise fortunate to avoid more serious injuries.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, with the truck driver reportedly stating that the afternoon sun played a role in the crash. At this time, no charges have been filed.
Our thoughts are with Vera Kruescher and her family as they recover from this frightening incident.
School Bus Safety and Crash Prevention in Wisconsin
Accidents involving school buses can be particularly dangerous due to the number of young passengers on board. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road, but crashes can still result in severe injuries, especially when vehicles fail to stop as required.
Wisconsin law mandates that drivers must come to a complete stop when a school bus has its stop sign extended. Failure to do so can lead to catastrophic accidents like this one. Sun glare, distraction, and speeding are all common contributing factors in rear-end collisions with buses.
Parents and drivers alike are encouraged to stay vigilant, slow down in school zones, and remain alert when approaching school buses. If you or a loved one has been affected by a school bus accident, reaching out for legal and medical support can be critical.
For more information or support following an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.