Douglas County, KS – A school bus carrying 16 children was struck by a vehicle Tuesday morning while stopped near U.S. 56 and Kansas Highway 33 in Douglas County, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Authorities said the children were about to board the bus when a truck failed to stop and collided with the rear of the vehicle. The crash caused the bus to jolt forward, startling the students but leaving them unharmed.
According to Kansas Highway Patrol, the driver of the truck suffered only minor injuries. No children were reported injured, and the bus was able to complete its route after the collision.
The incident highlights a recurring safety issue in Kansas and nationwide: drivers failing to stop for school buses with extended stop arms. Troopers emphasized the importance of staying alert, slowing down, and obeying traffic laws designed to protect children during pickup and drop-off times.
“Thankfully, there were no injuries to the children,” Kansas Highway Patrol said in a statement, adding that the collision should serve as a reminder to “ditch distractions and focus on the road.”
Drivers in Kansas are required by law to stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. Violating the rule can result in fines, points on a license, and heightened crash risks.
