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MESA, Pima County, Ariz., Nov. 7, 2026 — Two people died on Friday, November 6, in a crash between a car and a Mesa Unified School District bus near Southern Avenue and South 80th Street, the Mesa Police Department said. No students were aboard the bus when it crashed.
Both occupants of the passenger vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. The bus driver was taken to a hospital with injuries that a family acquaintance described as a broken hip, a broken pelvis and two brain bleeds. That person, identified only as a neighbor and former Mesa Public Schools bus driver, said the driver had begun showing movement in her hands and feet and was expected to remain in intensive care on Friday evening.
Officials said the passenger vehicle's speed appears to have been a factor in the crash. The intersection was closed for part of the day as investigators worked the scene, and the crash remains under investigation.
No further details on the identities of those killed have been released.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased victims.
Intersection Crashes in Mesa and Across Arizona
This bus crash happened at Southern Avenue and South 80th Street in Mesa, AZ. We follow crashes at intersections across Arizona, and our Arizona intersection crash page brings that information together in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic crashes happen?
Crashes are common at busy intersections and along major arterial roads, where vehicles cross paths, turn, or merge at speed.
What factors commonly contribute to car accidents?
Speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, and impaired driving are frequently cited causes in police reports.
What injuries are common in crashes involving large vehicles like buses?
Occupants of smaller vehicles usually suffer the more severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries, due to the size and weight difference between vehicles.
