LEANDER, Tex. (KEYE) — A school bus carrying 42 students overturned Wednesday afternoon on Nameless Road, injuring 17 students, officials reported.
The bus was traveling south on a slight curve when it left the roadway and rolled onto its side shortly after the school day ended. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has stated it is unclear if rainy weather contributed to the crash.
Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the scene around 3:15 p.m. and reported 43 total patients, with 12 requiring transportation to hospitals. Fifteen individuals, including the bus driver, were taken to various medical facilities, with two sustaining serious injuries. All injured parties are reported to be in stable condition.
“Initial reports indicated that 12 people had been transported,” said a DPS spokesperson, noting that additional students were taken to hospitals after further evaluation.
The bus, equipped with state-regulated seatbelts, was driven by a veteran driver, according to DPS Public Information Officer Billy Ray. The cause of the rollover is under investigation.
A reunification center was established at Round Mountain Baptist Church, 14500 Round Mountain Road, where students not transported to hospitals were taken. Multiple agencies, including the Travis County Sheriff's Office and the Leander Fire Department, responded to the incident.
Superintendent Bruce Gearing expressed concern for the affected families and stated that the community is providing support resources in the wake of the accident. The DPS continues to investigate the incident.