Tillamook Co, OR (February 15, 2026) – A crash involving a school bus carrying high school basketball teams led to canceled games on Friday evening after a car collided with the bus along US 101 near Nestucca. The incident occurred on Friday, February 13, approximately five miles outside of Nestucca.
According to statements shared by the Nestucca School District and Vernonia School District Superintendent Jim Helmen, the bus was transporting both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams from Vernonia High School when a car reportedly crossed the center line and struck the bus. Emergency crews responded to the scene to assess students and staff aboard the bus.
One student sustained an injury in the crash, while another student was transported to a nearby hospital after experiencing a seizure, according to district officials. The extent of the injuries has not been fully detailed. As a result of the collision, basketball games scheduled at Nestucca High School were canceled.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding potential citations or charges. The crash remains under investigation.
Key Details
- Location: US 101, approximately five miles outside Nestucca, Tillamook County
- Reported: Friday, February 13
- Type: Car vs school bus collision
- Injuries: One student injured; another transported after seizure
- Involved: Vernonia High School girls and boys basketball teams
- Status: Investigation ongoing
What We Know So Far
- A car reportedly crossed the center line and struck the bus.
- The bus was carrying students traveling to a basketball game at Nestucca High School.
- One student sustained an injury, and another was taken to the hospital.
- Scheduled games were canceled following the crash.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The total number of people evaluated at the scene
- The severity of the injured student’s condition
- Whether any citations or charges will be filed
Local Context
US 101 runs along Oregon’s coast and serves as a primary route connecting smaller communities like Nestucca and Vernonia to surrounding areas. Portions of the highway include two-lane stretches where center-line crossings can pose significant risks. When crashes involving school buses occur along corridors like US 101, emergency responders typically secure a wide area to ensure student safety and allow for thorough scene documentation.
What to Do Next
- Move to a safe area if possible and check for injuries.
- Remain at the scene and follow instructions from first responders.
- Document key details such as location and direction of travel if safe to do so.
- Seek medical evaluation promptly, especially for children involved in a collision.
FAQ
Q: Why are school bus crashes treated with heightened caution?
A: School buses often carry multiple students, and responders prioritize ensuring every passenger is accounted for and medically evaluated following a collision.
Q: Why are two-lane highway crashes often serious?
A: Two-lane highways typically have opposing traffic separated only by a center line, increasing the risk of head-on or side-impact collisions if a vehicle crosses over.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: Investigators gather statements, review roadway conditions, and document vehicle positions to determine how the collision occurred and whether any violations took place.
