CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — Federal investigators are probing a fatal multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus that occurred on March 27, resulting in two student fatalities and multiple injuries.
According to preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the crash transpired around 11:35 a.m. on U.S. Highway 70, near Cedar Grove. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was westbound with the driver, four adult chaperones, and 24 students en route to an event in Jackson when it crossed the centerline.
At the same time, a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck and a sport utility vehicle were traveling eastbound. The NTSB reported the bus sideswiped the dump truck and collided with the SUV before veering off the road and coming to rest down an embankment.
Two students from the bus were killed, and the bus driver and several passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. The two dump truck occupants were seriously injured, while SUV passengers were unharmed.
Authorities confirmed that weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the incident, which occurred on a two-lane road with a 55 mph speed limit.
Records obtained by FOX 17 News identified the bus driver as Sabrina Ducksworth. She had previously taken approved medical leave but held a valid certification for commercial vehicle operation. The records indicate a history of commendable performance reviews, though they mention potential medical issues.
The NTSB's findings are preliminary and may change as investigations continue. The agency is working with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Tennessee Highway Patrol to determine the probable cause and develop safety recommendations. Factors under examination include driver fitness, passenger safety, and oversight of school transportation.