Manhattan, Illinois – A traffic collision involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle left one person dead Thursday morning in the Manhattan area, according to the Manhattan Fire Protection District.
Fire officials said crews responded at approximately 8:25 a.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a school bus transporting Manhattan School District 114 students and a passenger vehicle near the intersection of Manhattan Monee Road and Kankakee Road.
Upon arrival, responders located a school bus carrying 10 students and one driver. Authorities said all students were evaluated at the scene. Due to the severity of the crash, all children and the bus driver were transported to a local hospital for precautionary evaluation. No major injuries were reported among the students.
Officials confirmed that one fatality occurred in the passenger vehicle involved in the crash. The identity of the deceased has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
School district officials responded to the scene and assisted with student care and reunification efforts. Parents and guardians of the students were notified, according to the fire protection district.
The Manhattan Fire Protection District said the incident remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police, which will determine the cause of the crash. Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.
Traffic in the area experienced delays during the emergency response as crews worked to secure the scene and conduct preliminary assessments.
For parents, students, and commuters in the Manhattan Monee Road and Kankakee Road corridor, authorities emphasized that safety protocols were followed and that school and emergency officials coordinated closely to ensure student welfare.
No further details were immediately available.
All information released reflects preliminary findings and may be updated as the investigation progresses.
