MERCED, Merced County, Calif., Oct. 28, 2026 — A school bus and a semi-truck collided Monday afternoon, October 26, on State Route 59 at E Mission Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency reported minor injuries from the two-vehicle crash.
The CHP said the call came in shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, with an early report describing a semi versus a school bus at the intersection. Dispatch logs show units were sent to the scene and the incident was classified as a traffic collision with minor injuries.
Both lanes were affected by the crash and were initially marked as a traffic hazard while crews worked, the report indicated. American Medical Response and Cal Fire personnel responded to the scene, and a tow company was called to remove the big rig.
The number of people hurt and the extent of their injuries have not been released. It remains unclear how many students, if any, were aboard the bus at the time.
The crash remains under investigation. We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full recovery.
Intersection Crashes in Merced and Across California
This bus crash happened at State Route 59 and E Mission Avenue in Merced, CA. We follow crashes at intersections across California, and our California intersection crash page brings that information together in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a truck's blind spots, and why do they matter?
Large trucks have wide blind spots along both sides, directly behind the trailer, and close to the front of the cab. Vehicles lingering in these areas may not be visible to the driver, which can contribute to collisions during turns, lane changes, or stops.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully beneath a truck's trailer during a collision, often because the trailer sits higher than the smaller vehicle's crumple zones. These crashes can cause severe damage even at moderate speeds.
What typically causes large-truck accidents?
Common factors include driver fatigue, following too closely, limited visibility, mechanical failure, and difficulty maneuvering at intersections. Weather and road conditions can also play a role.
How should drivers share the road with trucks?
Give trucks extra space, avoid lingering beside or behind them, and pass only when there is a clear, safe gap. Because trucks need more distance to stop and turn, anticipating their movements early can help prevent close calls.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in Merced, CA
If you're involved in or witness a bus accident, start by checking for injuries and calling 911 if needed. Move to a safe area if possible, and avoid standing near active traffic lanes while waiting for help. If you're a parent whose child was on an involved bus, contact the school district as soon as you can for information on next steps and where your child is being cared for.
Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting a medical evaluation, since some injuries, like concussions or soft-tissue damage, aren't obvious right away. Keep any paperwork from the scene, including police or CHP incident numbers, which can help if you need to follow up with insurance or school officials later. Giving yourself time to process the event, especially if children were involved, is just as important as handling the practical details.
