Liberty Township, OH (May 15, 2026) – Two people were injured following a head-on crash involving a school bus and a pickup truck early Friday morning on State Route 257 near Riverside Drive in Delaware County’s Liberty Township. Emergency units responded to the area near the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium around 6:15 a.m.
According to preliminary information, a 1985 Ford F-150 traveling northbound crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a southbound 2022 Bluebird school bus. The pickup truck was driven by a 38-year-old Powell man, while the school bus was operated by a 70-year-old Powell woman.
The pickup driver suffered serious injuries in the crash, while the bus driver sustained minor injuries. Authorities confirmed that no students were on the bus at the time of the collision. Investigators also stated that the pickup driver was not wearing a seat belt.
The crash forced the closure of Riverside Drive in both directions for several hours as crews removed the damaged vehicles and documented the scene. Investigators are also reviewing whether distraction or impairment contributed to the collision.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of those injured as they continue to recover.
What Is Commonly Reviewed After Head-On Crashes Involving School Buses?
After head-on crashes involving school buses, investigators often focus on lane positioning and whether a vehicle crossed the centerline before impact. Road markings, visibility, and driver reaction times are frequently reviewed during the investigation.
Seatbelt use can also become a key factor, especially when serious injuries are reported. Investigators may examine occupant movement inside the vehicles to understand how injuries occurred during the collision.
When school buses are involved, officials also confirm whether children were onboard and assess the extent of damage to the passenger area. Road closures are common in these cases because large vehicles and crash debris can take longer to remove safely.
