GIRARD, Kan. — Why did the turkey cross the road? Probably because it didn’t see the school bus coming.
That was the unfortunate setup for an incident in southeastern Kansas on Thursday.
School Bus Collides With Turkey
A bus carrying 13 students is traveling along a highway when a large turkey flies across the roadway from a ditch, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Thomas McMahon・Executive Editor
A school bus carrying 13 students was traveling along a highway when it hit a large turkey that flew across the roadway. Stock photo by Grendelkhan via Wikimedia Commons
1 min to read
According to a crash report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, a school bus was traveling westbound on a highway at about 1:30 p.m. when it struck a large turkey that flew across the roadway from the north ditch.
The bus was described as a 2000 Freightliner operated by Unified School District 250.
There were 13 students ranging in age from 15 to 17 on the bus at the time, according to the crash report. One of the students, a 15-year-old girl, was listed as having a possible injury. The other students were not injured.
School bus driver Edward Eichenberger, 49, was treated at the scene for a possible injury. He was not transported to a hospital.
Another adult on the bus, Shea McLaughlin, 36, was not injured.
The Kansas Highway Patrol report noted that Eichenberger was wearing a safety restraint, but the school bus was not equipped with seat belts for passengers.
The crash report did not indicate the outcome for the turkey.
More Safety
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 →
Sponsored•May 1, 2026
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 →
Sponsored•April 20, 2026
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 →
'A Train Is Coming': Florida School Bus Close Call Highlights Critical Railroad Safety Reminders
Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.
Read More →