TALCO, Texas — An assistant track team coach and a big-rig driver were killed and at least 18 bus passengers were injured in a collision between a school bus, an 18-wheeler, and another vehicle on Thursday evening.
A Mount Pleasant High School bus with the boy’s track team was headed home from a meet when it was hit by the truck and rolled over, FOX 4 reports. Mount Pleasant Independent School District officials told CBS DFW that the 18-wheeler veered into oncoming traffic straight toward the school bus, and the coach who was driving the bus veered toward a ditch to avoid a collision, but the truck slammed into the side of the bus, which caused the rollover. The coach suffered critical injuries, and the driver of the 18-wheeler was killed.
Mount Pleasant Independent School District Superintendent Judd Marshall told NBC DFW that the 18-wheeler also hit a car behind the bus, which was driven by one of the track team’s assistant coaches, who was killed, according to the news source.
Three coaches and 18 of the 32 students aboard the bus were injured in the crash, and one coach and one student were airlifted to the hospital in critical condition, NBC DFW reports.
2 Killed in School Bus-Truck-Car Crash
In Texas, an assistant track team coach and a big-rig driver are killed and at least 18 bus passengers are injured in a collision between a school bus, an 18-wheeler, and another vehicle.
More Safety

9-Year-Old Boy Killed by School Bus at Busy Brooklyn Intersection
A Williamsburg community is mourning after a child was fatally struck by a private yeshiva bus, prompting calls for urgent safety improvements at the high-traffic crossing.
Read More →
Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes
The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.
Read More →
What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Read More →
NTSB Calls for Alcohol Impairment Systems, Seat Belts After W.V. Crash Investigation
The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck
A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades
From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators
Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.
Read More →
Industry Suppliers Offer Distracted Driving Awareness Month Reminders
Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.
Read More →
NTSB Names Michael Graham Vice Chair: Where He Stands on School Bus Safety
A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.
Read More →

