SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Broken bolt causes rear axle to fall off school bus

The bus was stopped in front of a high school in Tennessee when both of the back wheels and axle broke away, but no students were hurt. The bolt that connects the vehicle springs was broken, authorities say.

December 8, 2015
2 min to read


MARYVILLE, Tenn. — A single bolt caused a rear axle to fall off a school bus as it was driving away from a school last week, WBIR reports.

Sharon Anglim the director of communications and special projects for Maryville City Schools, told WATE that the bus left the pickup line on the afternoon of Dec. 2, and stopped in front of Maryville High School when both of the back wheels and axle broke away from the bus. She added that no students were hurt.

Authorities said that the “ti bolt” that connects the vehicle springs was broken, according to WBIR. Sgt. Randall Martin with the Tennessee Highway Patrol told 10News that the bolt breaking started a chain reaction that led to the axle falling off the bus.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol inspects school buses at least once a year, and state law requires the buses to be inspected twice a year. The bus was inspected in April and October, and had passed both inspections, according to WBIR. Martin also told the news source that although inspectors review pieces of the bus to ensure they are intact, they do not take components apart, and that the broken bolt could not be seen during a routine inspection.

Brad Long, the owner of the bus, told WBIR that the whole rear end of the bus would have to be taken off to see the bolt. Martin added that to prevent this from happening again, a good maintenance program with mechanics who check for potential problems that troopers can’t is needed. Long also said that he is having several other buses inspected to check for similar problems, according to the news source.

More Maintenance

Technician operating a red APEX tire changer next to an APEX wheel balancer with mounted tire, displayed against an orange background with BendPak branding.
MaintenanceFebruary 12, 2026

BendPak Launches New Tire Changers and Wheel Balancers

APEX by BendPak expands its tire service lineup with new swing-arm tire changers and wheel balancers designed for school bus and light-duty fleet maintenance operations.

Read More →
Technician using diagnostic software on a laptop connected to a commercial vehicle to analyze CAN bus data.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 5, 2026

Noregon Updates JPRO with CAN Bus Diagnostics

JPRO Professional v3 adds new bus diagnostic capabilities and expanded vehicle coverage for fleet technicians.

Read More →
A product photo of the Meritor brake pads against an orange background and the Cummins logo
MaintenanceJanuary 30, 2026

Cummins Introduces Meritor MFLEX4 Air Disc Brake Pad

Check out key features of the new air disc brake pad and catch free 2026 brake training sessions from Cummins and Meritor. Details here.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 29, 2026

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 →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.

Read More →
Maintenanceby StaffJanuary 2, 2026

2026 School Bus Maintenance Survey Now Open

Calling transportation directors, fleet managers, and shop leads! School Bus Fleet’s annual Maintenance Survey, sponsored by Dorman Products, is open and closes at the end of January.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Up close image of an engine.
Managementby StaffNovember 6, 2025

Applications Open for Propane Autogas Skills Grant Program

With alternative fuels on the rise, PERC’s grant program helps schools prepare students for careers maintaining low-emission fleets through hands-on training and equipment funding.

Read More →
Fleetio graphic announcing Maintenance Shop Network expansion into Canada with features like trusted repair shops, real-time tracking, automated approvals, and streamlined payments.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseOctober 8, 2025

Fleetio Expands Maintenance Shop Network into Canada

Fleetio's expanded network gives transportation departments new access to verified repair partners, faster approvals, and real-time repair tracking.

Read More →
Technician using Truck Check-Up diagnostic software on a Panasonic Toughbook laptop inside a truck cab
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 10, 2025

Noregon Updates Shop Management System, CARB Inspection Tool

The maintenance company's Truck Check Up and ShopPulse products receive enhancements and feature updates.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A man in a grey t-shirt works on the electrical components to a school bus stop arm.
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 8, 2025

Pro-Vision Launches FleetGuard Maintenance Plan

The company's new maintenance program offers inspections, fast repairs, and support to keep school bus video systems running.

Read More →