LEANDER, Texas (KEYE) — A Texas school bus carrying 42 students overturned Wednesday on the first day of class, injuring 17 students, officials confirmed.
The Leander ISD bus was traveling south on Nameless Road when it veered off the road and rolled over shortly after school dismissal. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) stated it is unclear if the rainy conditions contributed to the incident.
Emergency responders received reports of the rollover at approximately 3:15 p.m. and identified 43 patients at the scene. Of those, 12 required hospital transport. Fifteen students and the bus driver were taken to nearby hospitals, with some transported by STAR Flight helicopters due to the rural location. Two individuals sustained serious injuries, but all are reported in stable condition.
Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing expressed concern for the students and families affected, emphasizing community support following recent flooding in the area.
“This tragedy is really breaking our hearts,” Gearing said in a statement. “We want to support both the students and their families during this difficult time.”
The bus was equipped with state-mandated seatbelts, and a veteran driver was operating the vehicle. Investigators from the Travis County Sheriff's Office and DPS continue to examine the cause of the rollover.
A reunification center was established at Round Mountain Baptist Church for families to reconnect with their students. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.