Salina, KS (January 30, 2025) – An 83-year-old man suffered serious injuries in a collision involving a sport utility vehicle and a school bus carrying 23 people on the northwest side of Salina on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 3:55 p.m. on northbound US-81, just north of Interstate 70. Authorities reported that a 2024 Buick Encore SUV was merging onto US-81 from westbound I-70 when it turned left in front of a 2017 Blue Bird school bus, leading to the collision.
The impact caused the Buick to come to rest across the center median and left shoulder of the highway, while the school bus struck a guardrail before stopping in the center median.
The driver of the Buick, identified as 83-year-old Marvin Leroy Steenbock of Longford, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment. Officials confirmed that he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The school bus driver, 29-year-old Lelisa Dawn Gilbert of Chase, was also taken to the hospital with suspected minor injuries. Two 14-year-old girls who were passengers on the bus sustained injuries and were transported for medical care. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.
School Bus Accidents in Kansas
School bus accidents, while less frequent than other types of vehicle collisions, can pose significant risks due to the number of passengers involved. Major highways such as US-81, which accommodate high-speed traffic and complex merging zones near interstates, can be particularly dangerous for larger vehicles like school buses.
Failure to yield, improper merging, and miscalculations in turning distances are common factors in collisions involving commercial or public transportation vehicles. Even though school buses are designed to protect occupants, crashes can still result in injuries, particularly for young passengers.
For those injured in bus accidents, medical expenses, recovery time, and emotional distress can have a lasting impact. When driver error or negligence contributes to a crash, victims may have legal options for seeking compensation. Consulting with a legal professional can help individuals understand their rights and navigate insurance claims.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.