ROCKFORD, Ill. — Last week, two Rockford Public Schools 205 buses were involved in crashes here, leaving one dead and five injured.
In the first accident, a semi truck collided with a school bus. Rockford Deputy Chief Theo Glover told WTVO/FOX 39 that the bus driver’s view was blocked by the sun and she drove through an intersection. The bus was blocking the street and the truck could not stop in time to prevent the collision.
Four children were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the bus was ticketed.
About 15 minutes later, another Rockford Public Schools 205 bus was rear-ended by a car.
“The passenger of the car was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver was airlifted to St. Anthony’s for treatment,” Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputy Stephen DePauw told the news source. Two students on the bus were not injured.
District 205 officials said the school bus drivers are off of their routes while an investigation into the incidents continues, pending drug and alcohol test results.
1 dead, 5 injured in school bus crashes
In the first accident, a school bus driver went through an intersection and a semi truck collided with it. Four children were injured. In the second accident, another bus from the same district was rear-ended by a car. The driver of the car was transported to a hospital for treatment; the passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.
More Management

Changing Lanes: EverDriven, ADROIT, DeVivo Companies, School Bus Logistics, Zum, & Dorman
Check out some of the latest personnel moves from across the school bus industry, including new leadership appointments, various promotions, and major restructuring.
Read More →
School Bus Fleet, Refreshed: New Website, New Look, Same Commitment
A cleaner layout, improved organization, and a better reading experience are here. Explore what’s new on schoolbusfleet.com!
Read More →
Why Representation Matters in Transportation Leadership
A firsthand look at how diverse leadership in school transportation builds trust and drives stronger systems.
Read More →
Nominations Open for 2026 Contractor of the Year
We're looking for an amazing school bus contractor executive who embodies dedication, excellence, and innovation. Nominate the greats you know for SBF's 2026 award! Nominations close March 31.
Read More →
Honoring Heroes Behind the Wheel: Award Nominations Open
Nominations are now open for the second annual 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Award. Help us honor the drivers who selflessly dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of the students they transport every day.
Read More →
A New Chapter for Tennessee Pupil Transportation: A Vision Grounded in Service, Partnership, and Purpose
Check in with Tennessee’s new state transportation manager, Josh Hinerman, as he reflects on his journey, path to leadership, and priorities for student-centered transportation.
Read More →
Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards for School Transportation Professionals
The new program rewards B2B audience readers for engaging with trusted content and suppliers, earning them points toward events, travel, and more.
Read More →
8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations
What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.
Read More →
NAPT Announces Two New 2026 Regional Directors
NAPT announced the results of its 2026 special election, naming new regional directors for Regions 3 and 6.
Read More →
Building Stronger Partnerships: How School Transportation Can Improve Relationships With School Boards
Strong communication and trust between transportation leaders and school boards are essential to safe, effective operations. Here’s how to build a better partnership.
Read More →
