DeRidder, LA (March 13, 2026) – A crash involving a school bus and a log truck caused injuries and disrupted traffic on Tuesday morning at a busy intersection in DeRidder.
According to the DeRidder Police Department, the collision occurred around 8 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 171 and Martin Luther King Street. Authorities reported that the crash involved a school bus and a log truck and damaged the traffic lights at the intersection.
Officials said there were no children on the bus at the time of the crash. However, injuries were reported, though the number of people hurt and the severity of their injuries have not been released.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area as crews worked at the scene. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development responded to assess the damage to the traffic signals and begin necessary repairs, while emergency personnel managed the crash response.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
We extend our best wishes for a full recovery to those injured in the crash.
School Bus Crashes and Traffic Safety
Crashes involving school buses often draw immediate concern due to the potential risk to children and other road users. Even when students are not present, these incidents can still result in injuries and significant traffic disruptions.
Large vehicles, such as log trucks, can create dangerous conditions in collisions due to their size and weight. Intersections may also become hazardous if traffic signals are damaged, increasing the risk of additional crashes until repairs are completed.
Transportation officials often advise drivers to approach intersections cautiously, especially when heavy vehicles or buses are present, and to follow detours or traffic instructions issued during emergency responses.
