DUPLIN, Duplin County, N.C., Sept. 24, 2026 — A car crossed the center line and struck a school bus on Warren Road Tuesday afternoon, September 22, injuring three people, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 4:15 p.m. when a bus carrying 17 students from North Duplin Elementary School was headed south on Warren Road, troopers said. A car traveling north reportedly drifted over the center line and collided with the bus. Both vehicles ended up in ditches on the roadside.
No students were hurt in the crash, troopers said, and all were picked up at the scene by family members. The bus driver and a bus monitor were taken to ECU Health Duplin Hospital with what were described as minor injuries, held for observation.
The driver of the car, identified by the Highway Patrol as 42-year-old Dalia Obregon, was taken to Wayne UNC Health Care in Goldsboro. Obregon was charged with driving left of center, an expired registration plate, and a window tint violation, according to the report.
Duplin County Emergency Management, Duplin County EMS, Faison Fire and Rescue, and Duplin County Schools all responded to the scene. The crash remains under review by the Highway Patrol.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
What Do Numbers Show About School Bus Crashes?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 113 occupants of school transportation vehicles were killed from 2014 through 2023. Spread across a decade, that figure points to how rare fatal outcomes are for children riding buses compared with other vehicle types on the road, even though buses travel millions of miles carrying students each school year.
Most harm in bus-related crashes falls instead on occupants of the other vehicle involved, or on the bus driver and any aide or monitor on board. Federal data consistently shows that pedestrians near buses, particularly children entering or exiting, face more risk than those seated inside during transit.
Bus crashes like head-on or center-line collisions result from a passenger vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic, whether from distraction, road conditions, or driver impairment. Because buses are heavier and sit higher than most passenger cars, the smaller vehicle and its occupants typically absorb more of the impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm involved in a crash with a school bus?
Stay at the scene, call 911, and wait for law enforcement to arrive and document the crash. If children are on board, let responders and school officials coordinate their pickup rather than approaching the bus yourself.
What injuries are most common in car-versus-bus crashes?
Occupants of the smaller vehicle suffer the more serious injuries, including fractures and head or neck trauma, while those on the bus normally report minor injuries tied to sudden stops or jolts.
What typically causes a vehicle to cross the center line?
Common factors include distraction, drowsiness, impairment, speed, and road or weather conditions that make it harder to stay in the proper lane.
Does speed change how serious these crashes are?
Yes. Higher speed increases both the force of impact and the distance needed to stop or steer away, so even a small increase in speed can raise the severity of injuries.
What to Do After a School Bus Crash in Duplin, NC
Anyone involved in a crash with a school bus should seek a medical check even if injuries seem minor at first, since some symptoms take hours to appear. Get contact information for other drivers and any witnesses, and request a copy of the official crash report once it's available.
Parents whose children ride buses in the Duplin, NC area can also use the moment to review basic safety habits with them, like waiting for the driver's signal before crossing the road. Reporting any safety concerns to Duplin County Schools helps the district track and respond to recurring issues on specific routes.
