CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — A multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus in Carroll County claimed the lives of two middle school students on March 27.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the incident occurred around 11:35 a.m. on U.S. Highway 70, between Cedar Grove and Huntingdon. The school bus was transporting 24 students from Kenwood Middle School to an event in Jackson. It collided with a dump truck operated by the Tennessee Department of Transportation and a sport utility vehicle (SUV).
The crash resulted in the bus sideswiping the dump truck before striking the SUV and ultimately veering off the roadway. Two students were pronounced dead at the scene, and injuries among the bus occupants ranged from minor to serious. The dump truck driver and passenger sustained serious injuries, while the SUV occupants were unharmed.
Authorities reported clear weather conditions and a dry roadway at the time of the incident. The highway features a two-lane section with a 55 mph speed limit.
Initial findings from records indicate that bus driver Sabrina Ducksworth had a valid medical certification despite documented medical issues. She had taken approved medical leave prior to the crash and had no disciplinary history. Performance reviews praised her reliability and work ethic.
Dashcam footage of the event has been shared with authorities as part of the investigation. The NTSB is working with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Tennessee Highway Patrol to determine the cause of the crash and develop safety recommendations.