The National Transportation Safety Board recounted the incidents leading up to the fatal March 27 Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus crash with release of a preliminary report, but the agency won’t know or release the exact cause for another year and a half.

NTSB wrote in its preliminary report that the crash occurred April 16 at about 11:35 a.m. A Clarksville-Montgomery school bus was traveling west on US-70 in Carroll County, Tennessee, a two-lane roadway with a 55-mph speed limit. The school bus was occupied by the driver, named in a lawsuit as Sabrina Ducksworth, four adult chaperones and 24 student passengers. Ducksworth was taking students from Kenwood Middle School to a school event in Jackson.

At the same time, a 2013 International WorkStar dump truck operated by the Tennessee Department of Transportation and occupied by a driver and passenger as well as a 2014 Chevrolet Trailblazer sport utility, also occupied by a driver and passenger, were traveling east in the oncoming lane. The weather was clear and the roadway was dry.

As the school bus approached a curve in the highway, it crossed the centerline and entered the eastbound lane. NTSB said the left side of the school bus struck the left side of the dump truck in a sideswipe collision. After hitting the dump truck, the school bus then collided with the SUV, departed the roadway to the south, and came to rest facing down the roadside embankment. The school bus remained upright.

Two student school bus fatalities resulted. Local media outlets identified the students as two eighth-grade girls: Zoe Davis and Arianna Pearson, both 13 years old. School bus driver Ducksworth sustained serious injuries. Bus passenger injuries ranged from minor to serious and the two occupants of the dump truck also sustained serious injuries. The NTSB stated that occupants of the SUV were uninjured.

Related: Update: Tennessee Crash Kills 2 Students During Field Trip
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Related: Florida Driver Arrested After Train Strikes School Bus Carrying 29 Students
Related: First Responders Critical in School Bus Emergencies

NTSB Preliminary Report Follows Filing of Lawsuit

As STN previously reported, the parents of Davis filed a wrongful death lawsuit in response to the school bus fatalities. The family seeks a jury award of up to $5 million.

The suit alleges that Ducksworth was distracted, fatigued, reckless, and failed to follow training, traffic laws and lane discipline. The lawsuit also claims the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System was negligent in hiring, training and supervising her. The lawsuit additionally argues the district failed to adequately check her fitness for the job before hiring her.

However, others in local media reports or on social media expressed that Duckworth may have suffered a medical episode.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are aiding in the investigation, which remains under investigation. NTSB told School Transportation News it cannot share details of what the FMCSA is assisting on, but said all NTSB investigations operate under what a “Party System,” which allows the agency to bring in technical experts from other organizations to supplement the knowledge of our investigators.”

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The parents of an eighth-grade girl killed in the Tennessee school bus crash last month filed a $5-million wrongful death lawsuit alleging distraction and recklessness on the part of the driver and negligence and lack of oversight on the part of the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System.

Zoe Davis was 13 and a student at Kenwood Middle School when she died in the March 27 collision. Her classmate Arianna Peterson, 13, also died.

The lawsuit filed April 2 calls for a jury trial and seeks the maximum dollar amount allowed but not to exceed $5 million plus court costs.

Tennessee tort law generally caps the amount a school district can be held liable for at $700,000 for bodily injury or death of all persons in any one accident or $300,000 for any one person. School district employees are  immune from lawsuits including those involving negligent operation of motor vehicles, unless proven that the employee failed “to exercise or perform a discretionary function, whether or not the discretion is abused.”

The Davis family’s lawsuit names school bus driver Sabrina Ducksworth. The lawsuit claims she failed to follow her training and “acted with less than and/or failed to act with ordinary and reasonable care in the operation of the school bus.”

The filing also claims Ducksworth operated her school bus while fatigued or distracted and failed to exercise due care, obey traffic laws and keep in the proper lane.

Investigation Continues Amid Lawsuit

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the National Transportation Safety Board continue to investigate. NTSB said on its website a preliminary report is expected by the end of this month. Duckworth reportedly remains hospitalized following several surgeries. School Transportation News learned Duckworth broke both of her legs and suffered internal injuries.

Ducksworth’s family told local reporters she may have suffered a stroke when the school bus veered across a double yellow line, into the oncoming lane and collided nearly head-on with a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck. A local news report also indicates a review of Duckworth’s personnel file shows a current prescription for blood pressure medication. She had driven for Clarksville-Montgomery County School System since July 2021.

The Davis family’s lawsuit also claims the school district did not perform an adequate pre-employment inquiry into Ducksworth’s fitness for employment as a school bus driver and that the hiring practices “fell below the applicable standard of care.” The lawsuit also alleges the school district failed to adequately train or supervise Ducksworth.

Related: First Responders Critical in School Bus Emergencies
Related: Tennessee School Bus Bursts Into Flames Moments After Children Evacuated
Related: Tennessee School Bus Driver Under Investigation After Leaving Children Unattended

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A Clarksville-Montgomery County School System school bus traveling on a field trip crashed, resulting in at least two student fatalities.

STN received initial information about the Tennessee crash Friday, but details were limited at this report. Law enforcement officers are on scene in Carroll County, where the crash took place around noon Eastern Time.

“First and foremost, our hearts are with the families impacted by this devastating loss,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol released in a statement. A photo of the final resting position of the bus shows it at a steep angle, off the roadway.

Twenty-four students and five adults were on board the school bus at the time. Individuals were transported to the hospital, some via life-flight, while others were taken by ambulance. Two students were pronounced dead at the scene.

While the Tennessee Highway Patrol has not officially released the names of the students, online fundraisers and local media outlets identified the students as two eighth-grade girls: Zoe Davis and Arianna Pearson.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol stated via a press conference that in a preliminary crash investigation, the school bus collided with a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck and a passenger vehicle. Video of the crash shows the bus crossing the center line, veering into the other lane of traffic.

Lap/shoulder seatbelts are believed not to have been installed on the school bus. Additional information on the nature of the crash remained unknown at this time.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System posted on its website that the community is “grieving the tragic loss of two young lives. Please continue to keep these families in your heart,” the statement reads. “We continue to pray for the students and employees injured and everyone who was affected by today’s accident. The Kenwood Middle community will need our continued support, and we will share opportunities to assist families as details are confirmed.”

Officials noted that counselors will be available to support anyone in our school community and across the district who may need someone to talk to in the days ahead and for as long as needed.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County School District, First Baptist Church of Huntingdon, TN, and the numerous other law enforcement, emergency medical, and community organizations and volunteers from across the state who have provided tremendous support during this tragedy,” the statement continued.

The article was updated to indicate the crash did not take place during Spring Break. It will continue to be updated as more information is available. 

Related: Tennessee School Bus Bursts Into Flames Moments After Children Evacuated
Related: Tennessee Bill Would Lower Minimum Age for School Bus Drivers to 21
Related: Tennessee School Bus Bursts Into Flames Moments After Children Evacuated

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The family of a 12-year-old Georgia girl who died days after collapsing following a fight near her school bus stop is calling for a transparent investigation, as authorities review evidence and await autopsy results.

Jada West, a sixth grader at Mason Creek Middle School in Douglas County west of Atlanta, was hospitalized after a fight on March 5 in her Villa Rica neighborhood, according to family members. She died days later.

Cellphone video of the fight shows West briefly wrestle with another girl before they both fall to the ground. It appears West hit her head on the asphalt but gets up and walks away. Within minutes, police officers were dispatched after receiving a report of a juvenile in cardiac arrest in the street.

“When we actually arrived, paramedics were on the scene, and they were already loading her up and performing CPR,” Sgt. Spencer Crawford, a police spokesman, told local news reporters. “Paramedics told us there was an adult on the scene performing CPR when they arrived.”

Investigators are reviewing evidence, including the cellphone video of the fight. They will thenconsult with prosecutors, who will decide whether any charges will be filed.

Cellphone video of the fight, which has circulated widely on social media, shows two girls arguing at an intersection near West’s home as a group of students looks on. The footage shows both girls setting down their backpacks and exchanging punches before falling to the pavement. After a brief struggle, both stand up as an adult intervenes. West appears to walk away at the end of the clip.

It remains unclear what happened next. Authorities said West did not make it home before collapsing.

West’s mother, Rashunda McClendon, posted on social media asking for prayers when her daughter was hospitalized. A relative later announced West’s death in a separate post.

Douglas County District Attorney Dalia Racine told local reporters her office is aware of the investigation but declined further comment.

West was described by Douglas County School System in a statement to local reporters as “an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student.” The school district reiterated that the incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there was no indication the bus stop fight was related to prior on-campus activity.

Shaquille O’Neal Donates to West’s Family

Meanwhile, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal said he is covering funeral expenses for West after learning about her death.

“Jada’s story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media,” O’Neal said in a statement to local news reporters. “As a father, my heart goes out to Jada’s family. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and if there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do.”

O’Neal, who serves as director of community relations for the nearby Henry County Sheriff’s Office, said the community should support the family during the difficult time.

“Our community must surround this family with love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment,” he said.

Near the scene of the fight, a small memorial was erected in West’s honor. A sign read “RIP JADA WEST” alongside flowers and other tributes.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Related: School Bus Driver Charged with Hit-and-Run Death of Brooklyn Girl
Related: High School Senior Killed Walking to Bus Stop in Florida
Related: Two Students Killed in Georgia School Shooting
Related: 5-Year-Old Hit by Car While Running to Catch School Bus in Utah

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Horrific video shows the moments before a school bus struck 11-year-old Amira Aminova as she ran across a Brooklyn street after buying chocolate at a bodega.

Police reportedly arrested Wawa Aurelus, 62, the school bus driver who hit Aminova but did not stop at the scene. He was arrested Friday, according to multiple news reports, following the incident that occurred shortly after school let out at 3 p.m. Thursday in the Bath Beach neighborhood.

Aurelus was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors, according to the New York Times.

The video shows Aminova standing on the corner of Bath Ave. at 23rd Ave. and proceeding to cross the street, apparently with seconds remaining on the red-flashing countdown pedestrian signal. As Aminova starts to run across the street, the school bus is seen coming into view heading south on 23rd Ave. and instigating a right-hand turn onto Bath Ave. The bus never stops, and the video cuts out right before it hits the sixth grader.

Aminova was at least the fifth student pedestrian killed this school year nationwide by a school bus, according to School Transportation News research.

State Sen. Steve Chan, a former NYPD officer, represents the 17th district that comprises part of South Brooklyn. He told STN he does not understand how Aurelus did not realize he struck Aminova and continued his route.

“Spending 27 years as a police officer, I’ve seen many accidents involving school buses, tractor trailers and small trucks. Often, a driver will not know when they hit someone in the leg or brushed up against their body. However, in this particular case, I’ve reviewed video tape of the incident from start to finish. This bus driver should have known that he rolled over a person or something,” Chan wrote in an email Saturday. “If he had looked into the rear or side view mirror, he would have seen her on the ground. The intersection was clear and visibility was good. The roadway was dry and flat. The snow built up in the corners was not a factor. There were no other drivers or pedestrians in this intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the crosswalk and a green light. She did break into a sprint. However, the bus driver had a clear line of sight at the intersection.

“As far as I can tell, this tragedy is the result of complete driver inattention,” he continued. “Of course, I know most school bus drivers are dedicated individuals who help our community every day. But I must ask everyone to use extra caution, especially when making a turn.”

Police later located Aurelus, an employee of Consolidated Bus Service, and took him to the 62nd Precinct for questioning, reported CBS New York. Chan posted on Facebook the driver was detained “a short distance away” from the scene of the collision.

Consolidated Bus Service had not responded to an email seeking comment at this report.

An investigation by the NYPD fatal collision unit continues. A GoFundMe page was set up for Aminova’s mother to help cover funeral and burial costs in Uzbekistan. She immigrated with her daughter to the U.S. several years ago.

Related: 4-Year-Old Girl Killed After Being Struck by School Bus in New York
Related: New York School Bus Crash Leaves One Dead, Others Injured
Related: Fatality Data Analysis Indicates School Bus Safety in Comparison to Other Modes

The post School Bus Driver Charged with Hit-and-Run Death of Brooklyn Girl appeared first on School Transportation News.

A 5-year-old boy was killed Thursday morning after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York, reported CBS News.

According to the news report, the crash happened around 8:35 a.m. in the Village of New Square. Police said preliminary evidence indicates the school bus struck the child and then run over him.

The boywas rushed to Westchester County Medical Center, where officials said they were pronounced dead at approximately 12:15 p.m. The child’s name has not been released.

Investigators said the school bus driver did not initially realize the child had been struck and continued driving until being flagged down, at which point the driver returned to the scene.

The Ramapo Police Crash Investigation Unit responded and is reportedly conducting an extensive investigation, which involves coordination with partner agencies, interviews, scene measurements, data analysis, and vehicle inspections.

Police told local news reporters that the bus company is cooperating with the investigation, and the vehicle will be inspected by the New York State Department of Transportation.

No charges or additional details have been announced as the investigation remains ongoing.

Related: Wisconsin Teen Injured After Being Struck by Pickup While Boarding School Bus
Related: 4-Year-Old Girl Killed After Being Struck by School Bus in New York
Related: 11-Year-Old Struck by School Bus in Utah, in Stable Condition
Related: Louisiana Student Struck and Killed by School Bus

The post N.Y. Child Struck, Killed by School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

A school bus driver in Oneida County died Jan. 5 after suffering a medical emergency and crashing into a snowbank, reported Syracuse News.

The crash was reported around 12:25 p.m. at the intersection of state routes 31 and 365 in the town of Verona, police said. Troopers confirmed that no students were on the school bus at the time of the incident.

State police spokesperson Trooper Jennifer Jiron said the bus driver was traveling west on Route 31 when he experienced a medical emergency and collapsed. The bus then left the roadway and came to rest on a snowbank.

Two other adults, a second bus driver and a school bus aide, were also on board. Neither was reportedly injured. Police said the two attempted to stop the bus, called 911 and began CPR on the driver.

The driver was transported to Oneida Health Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The driver’s identity has not yet been released. First Student reportedly owns the school bus and was operating under contract with the Rome City School District.

Authorities reported no damage to the bus. The incident remains under investigation.

Related: Oklahoma Student Hailed Hero After Helping Bus Driver During Medical Emergency
Related: Brother and Sister Help Save School Bus Driver During Medical Emergency in Ohio
Related: Massachusetts School Bus Driver Crashes into Trees Due to Medical Emergency
Related: Maine School Bus Driver Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released preliminary information from an investigation into the death of a 5-year-old boy who was dragged 280 feet and killed after the school bus loading doors closed on his arm.

It was at least the third time a student dragging occurred in Maine since 2022.

The latest incident involved a Maine School Administrative District #6 school bus. It  stopped to pick up students the morning of Dec. 16 on Route 35, a two-lane undivided highway with a posted speed limit of 35 mph in the Cumberland County town of Standish. The roadway was partially wet at the time.

The 2022 Blue Bird school bus stopped near the intersection of Route 35 and Route 114, where a 7-year-old student boarded. The 5-year-old boy, identified by local news reports as Simon Gonzalez, followed and approached the loading doors from the rear of the bus. As the kindergartener extended his left arm into the bus, NTSB said, the doors closed. The school bus driver then proceeded to drive away with Gonzalez’s arm pinned.

Preventing School Bus Snagging and Dragging

‘Check the Door Once More’ to Avoid School Bus Dragging Incidents

The bus dragged the boy about 280 feet southbound on Route 35 before he dislodged and fell into the roadway. The school bus then ran over him and killed him. The school bus driver and the 7-year-old student, who local news reported is Gonzalez’s half-brother, did not sustain physical injuries during the incident.

NTSB said all aspects of the crash remain under investigation while determining probable cause. It also intends to issue safety recommendations, to prevent a similar incident from occurring.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Maine State Police and Maine Department of Transportation are assisting in the investigation.

Related: School Bus Driver Pleads Guilty in 2016 Student Dragging Death
Related: Indiana Student Dragged Down Street by School Bus
Related: Maine Student Caught in School Bus Door is Dragged Down the Road
Related: ‘Check the Door Once More’ to Avoid School Bus Dragging Incidents

The post NTSB Investigating Fatal School Bus Dragging in Maine appeared first on School Transportation News.

During 2025, the most-viewed online articles on the School Transportation News  website overwhelmingly focused on school bus crashes, student injuries or fatalities, and incidents involving driver misconduct or error. Together, these stories reflect ongoing public concern about the safety of students not only while riding the bus, but also during loading and unloading, as well as the accountability of those entrusted with student transportation.

Below is a summary of the top 10 most-viewed STN articles of 2025, as ranked by reader engagement.

10. Former Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Charged for Inappropriately Touching Students

Published May 16, 2025
The 10th most-viewed online article covered the criminal charges against a former school bus driver in Pennsylvania accused of inappropriately touching students. The article highlighted the severity of the allegations, addressed community reaction, and underscored the importance of screening and oversight in school transportation staff.

9. Indiana School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Driving While Intoxicated

Published Feb. 19, 2025
A school bus driver in Indiana was arrested for allegedly operating a school bus under the influence. Given the serious responsibilities school bus drivers carry, the story resonated strongly, underlining the potential risks when safety protocols are not followed.

8. Kindergartner Struck and Killed by School Bus

Published Jan. 13, 2025
A tragic account of a kindergartner fatally struck by a school bus served as a sobering reminder of how hazardous pick-up and drop-off zones can be, especially for very young children. The article prompted readers to reflect on safety practices around bus loading zones.

7. 8-Year-Old Struck, Killed by Vehicle After Exiting School Bus in Texas

Published March 4, 2025
The heartbreaking case in Texas of an 8-year-old who was struck and killed by a vehicle after exiting a school bus, was the year’s seventh most-viewed online article. It underscored the vulnerabilities children face even after safely leaving the bus, and how monitoring, infrastructure and awareness are critical for safety after the ride ends.

6. Pennsylvania Kindergartener Struck by School Bus

Published April 24, 2025
In a separate but related incident, a kindergartner was hit by a school bus in Pennsylvania. The coverage drew attention to recurring safety issues with bus-stop zones and raised questions about what measures are in place (or need to be put in place) to prevent such accidents.

5. Over a Dozen Injured in a New Jersey School Bus Crash

Published March 17, 2025
This online article described a serious crash in New Jersey involving a school bus, with more than a dozen individuals injured. The high number of injuries made this a widely read and deeply concerning report, emphasizing the risks school buses face when collisions occur.

4. Missouri Child Hit by Pickup Truck While Getting Off School Bus

Published Jan. 22, 2025
A child in Missouri was struck by a pickup truck as they were exiting a school bus. It highlighted how everyday tasks, like getting off a bus, can turn dangerous, especially in areas with vehicle traffic and stirred discussions about safer drop-off procedures.

3. Alabama School Bus Driver Falls Asleep at Wheel, Crashes

Published March 5, 2025
A report on a school bus crash in Alabama was caused by a driver reportedly falling asleep at the wheel. This article resonated widely, bringing attention to driver fatigue and the critical importance of driver readiness, training, and safety oversight.

2. School Bus Crashes into Pennsylvania Home

Published Oct. 13, 2025
In a startling incident, a school bus crashed into a residential home in Pennsylvania. The unusual nature of the crash, a bus leaving the road and hitting a home, captured many readers’ attention and raised serious questions about mechanical safety, driving conditions and oversight.

1. Michigan Middle Schooler Dead After Exiting School Bus

Published April 18, 2025
Topping the list of the most-viewed online articles, this tragic article reported on a middle schooler in Michigan, who died after exiting their school bus. The cause was unclear and under investigation, which added to the emotional weight of the story. The high view count suggests a strong public concern for student safety beyond just the ride itself, particularly what happens immediately after students leave the bus.

Related: 2025 STN Magazine Top Articles
Related: (STN Podcast E241) 2024 in Review: Top STN Online News Articles
Related: Newsflash: School Buses Are Essential

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Tony, Ryan and Taylor discuss the most-read online articles from stnonline.com during 2025, which focused on illegal passing incidents, school bus driver misconduct and students injured or killed. Training is needed for students, parents and drivers.

Read all our latest news.

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