La Crosse, WI (May 4, 2026) – Five people were injured following a multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus Thursday on Interstate 90 near La Crosse.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the crash involved six vehicles and occurred when a school bus approached a traffic backup and failed to slow down in time. Officials noted that the bus was not carrying any passengers at the time of the collision.
The impact caused significant damage, with one vehicle becoming pinned underneath the bus. Two occupants inside that vehicle were trapped and had to be extricated by emergency crews.
Authorities reported that a total of five individuals sustained injuries in the crash.
Emergency responders worked to assist victims, clear the wreckage, and restore traffic flow along the interstate.
The crash remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time.
Our thoughts are with those injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Why Are Chain-Reaction Crashes on Highways So Dangerous?
Multi-vehicle crashes on highways, referred to as chain-reaction crashes, can be especially dangerous due to high speeds and sudden stops. Wisconsin sees hundreds of multi-vehicle crashes each year, with highway incidents accounting for a significant share of the state’s serious injury and fatality totals. When traffic slows or stops unexpectedly, drivers who are not maintaining a safe following distance may not have enough time to react.
Large vehicles, such as buses, require longer stopping distances. If they fail to slow down in time, the force of impact can affect multiple vehicles and lead to severe damage. In Wisconsin, crashes involving large vehicles are disproportionately represented in fatal collision data, reflecting the serious consequences when stopping distances are misjudged at highway speeds.
These crashes can also trap occupants inside vehicles, requiring rescue efforts and increasing the risk of injury. Emergency response times on Wisconsin highways can vary depending on location, and in rural stretches, delays in reaching trapped occupants can worsen outcomes.
