MENU
SEARCHAn initial investigation by the Kentucky State Police into Monday’s crash shows that the bus left the roadway for reasons that are unknown, partially overturned onto its side and then hit a tree. Officials say that the bus was equipped with seat belts, and it appears that they were in use by all occupants at the time of the crash.
CARROLLTON, Ky. — Two children were killed and others were injured in a school bus accident that occurred here on Monday afternoon.
An initial investigation by the Kentucky State Police shows that the bus left the roadway for reasons that are unknown, partially overturned onto its side and then hit a tree. There were nine children on the bus at the time of the crash.
Two children were pronounced dead at the scene by the Carroll County coroner — they have been identified as Ryder Deitz and Caroline Tuttle, who were both 3-year-olds from Carrollton.
Three other children were flown to a children’s hospital in Louisville, Ky. A fourth child and the adult bus assistant were flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, while three other bus passengers were examined at the scene and released to their parents. The driver of the bus was uninjured.
On Tuesday, the Kentucky State Police received word that the three passengers at the children’s hospital were in stable condition. The bus assistant and the student at the University of Kentucky Medical Center were in serious condition.
Also on Tuesday, officials said that an accident reconstruction team was examining the bus to look for any mechanical issues or other factors that could have contributed to the crash. Another reconstruction team was at the crash site completing its investigation.
Officials said that the bus was equipped with seat belts, and it appears that they were in use by all occupants at the time of the crash.
Lisa James, superintendent of Carroll County School District, released a statement following Monday’s accident.
“A tragic bus accident has occurred involving children enrolled in the Carroll County School District,” she said. “The accident is still under investigation by local police authorities and school district personnel. At present, we are most concerned about the children involved and their families. Counselors and administrators have been present at area hospitals with families of some of the children involved in the accident.”
James also said that the school district will have counselors available at all of the district’s schools.
Other recent fatal school bus accidents:
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 →
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 →
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
