BOSTON, Suffolk County, Mass., Sept. 23, 2026 — One person was hospitalized after a school bus crash Monday afternoon, September 21, at the intersection of Morton Street and Wildwood Street, according to police. Six people were reportedly on the bus at the time.
The crash happened around 4:45 p.m., Boston police told local media. One person aboard the bus was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.
The circumstances of the crash remain under review. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a swift and full recovery.
School Bus Crashes in the National Data
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 971 fatal school-transportation-related traffic crashes occurred from 2014 through 2023. That works out to roughly 97 such crashes a year nationwide, a small slice of overall traffic deaths but one that draws outsized attention because children are often involved.
Most people killed in these crashes are occupants of the other vehicle, not the bus itself. School buses are built with reinforced frames and high seating positions that tend to protect the students riding inside, even in crashes that cause serious damage to smaller passenger vehicles.
Non-fatal injury crashes involving school buses are far more common than fatal ones. Many result from turning maneuvers, sudden stops, or crashes at intersections, the kind of low-speed events that can still throw unbelted passengers from their seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in bus crashes?
Passengers without seat belts often suffer bumps, bruises, and strains from being thrown against seatbacks or the floor. Sprains, cuts, and head injuries are also common, even in lower-speed collisions.
What usually causes crashes like this?
Common factors include following too closely, failing to yield at intersections, distracted driving, and misjudging a turn. Investigators typically review vehicle positions, traffic signals, and witness accounts before determining a cause.
Does speed make a difference in bus crashes?
Yes. Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and increase the force involved in any collision, which raises the chance of injury for occupants of both vehicles.
Why is distracted driving a particular concern near buses?
Buses make frequent stops and turns, so a driver who is looking at a phone or otherwise not paying attention has less time to notice brake lights or a stop sign. That delay can turn a routine stop into a crash.
What to Do After a School Bus Crash in Boston, MA
If you or your child are involved in a bus crash, get a medical check even if injuries seem minor. Some strains and head impacts don't show symptoms right away.
Get the names of any officers who respond and ask how to obtain the official police report once it's filed. If your child was on the bus, ask the school or district for their own incident report, which may include details not captured by police.
Keep notes on any symptoms that appear in the days after the crash, such as headaches, neck pain, or anxiety about riding the bus again. That record can help doctors and school staff address the child's needs going forward.
