Richmond Hill, GA (August 26, 2026) – Four children were taken to the hospital on Monday afternoon, August 24, after a crash involving a school bus, an SUV, and a pickup truck on eastbound Georgia Highway 144 near Cherry Street. The collision happened at approximately 3:47 p.m.
Investigators said the school bus and a Mercedes SUV were traveling east in the right lane near a railroad crossing while a Chevrolet Silverado was passing them in the left lane. The Mercedes reportedly attempted to change lanes and struck the Silverado, causing the pickup driver to lose control and hit the rear of the school bus.
The bus was carrying 41 young students and a driver. Eight children reported injuries, and four were taken to Memorial Children’s Hospital of Savannah. The Silverado driver was also hospitalized. The Mercedes driver was evaluated at the scene and released.
The Mercedes driver was charged with improper lane change, and the crash remains under investigation. We hope all of the injured children and the other injured driver recover fully.
Understanding Injury Risks in Multi-Vehicle School Bus Crashes
A school bus can carry many passengers, so even a single impact can affect several children at once. Sudden movement inside the bus can cause riders to strike seats, windows, or other interior surfaces.
When another vehicle loses control and collides with the bus after the initial impact, the secondary impact can add an additional layer of force. The exact effect on each passenger can vary depending on seating position and the location of the impact.
Vehicle speed, impact angle, bus size, passenger position, and the sequence of collisions can all influence injury outcomes. Crashes involving school buses may also require a larger emergency response because many children may need evaluation simultaneously.
