University Park, Illinois — Eight students were taken to local hospitals Thursday morning after a vehicle struck the side of a school bus transporting them to class, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
According to Crete-Monee School District 201-U, Bus 258 was carrying students to Coretta Scott King Magnet School in University Park when another vehicle hit the side of the bus during the morning commute.
District officials said eight students were transported to two nearby hospitals so medical professionals could evaluate them. Administrators accompanied the students in the ambulance and remained with them at the hospital until parents could arrive.
School officials said the students were taken to hospitals “out of an abundance of caution,” and the district is continuing to monitor their status while staying in contact with families.
Emergency Medical Services from several nearby communities responded to the crash, including crews from University Park, Steger, Beecher, Richton Park, South Chicago Heights and Sauk Village. The district’s nurse was also at the scene to assist first responders and support students.
After the crash, a replacement bus transported the remaining students to school. District staff members were assigned to supervise and support those students once they arrived on campus.
Officials said student and staff safety remains the district’s top priority as the situation continues to be reviewed.
The incident disrupted part of the morning school commute in the area and drew a large emergency response as crews worked to assess students and secure the scene.
For many families and student commuters in the district, school buses remain a primary form of daily transportation.
The district said additional information will be shared with families as it becomes available.
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