CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — Federal investigators are looking into a multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus that killed two middle school students and injured several others on March 27.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the incident occurred at approximately 11:35 a.m. on U.S. Highway 70 between Cedar Grove and Huntingdon. A Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus, transporting 24 students from Kenwood Middle School, was westbound when it collided with a dump truck and a sport utility vehicle traveling eastbound.
The school bus crossed the centerline, sideswiped the dump truck, and then struck the SUV, veering off the road and resting down an embankment. Two students onboard were killed, while the bus driver and several passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. The two occupants of the dump truck were also seriously injured; the SUV occupants were unharmed.
Authorities stated weather conditions were clear, and the road was dry at the time of the crash. U.S. Highway 70 is a two-lane road with a 55 mph speed limit.
Records obtained by FOX 17 News identify the bus driver as Sabrina Ducksworth. Documentation shows she had some medical issues but maintained a valid certification to operate a commercial vehicle. She had no prior disciplinary history and received positive performance evaluations.
The NTSB noted that its findings are preliminary and may change. The agency is collaborating with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Tennessee Highway Patrol to investigate driver performance, medical fitness, and overall safety measures for school transportation.