NEW BRAUNFELS, Comal County, Texas, Sept. 17, 2026 — A Comal ISD school bus and an 18-wheeler collided on Thursday morning, September 17, near the intersection of Loop 337 and Altgelt Lane, according to authorities. No children were on board the bus at the time, officials said.
Authorities closed Altgelt Lane between Wald Road and Loop 337 following the crash and warned drivers to expect continued delays in the area. The exact cause of the collision has not been released.
The drivers of both vehicles were taken to a hospital, according to authorities. Their injuries are described as non-life-threatening. No further condition updates have been released.
Local police continue to manage traffic near the closure and have asked drivers to seek alternate routes while the investigation continues. Additional details, including what led to the crash, had not been released as of Thursday morning.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Why School Bus Crashes Tend to Happen at Intersections and Merges
Intersections force vehicles moving in different directions, and often at different speeds, to cross paths in a small area, with little time to react. A school bus turning or slowing to stop adds another variable: its size and weight mean it accelerates and brakes more slowly than a passenger car, which can catch other drivers off guard.
Large trucks add another layer of risk at these points. An 18-wheeler needs more distance to stop or adjust its path, so a misjudged gap or a delayed reaction at a merge or crossing can lead to a collision before either driver has time to correct. Sightlines, traffic signals, and the timing of turns all factor into whether these close encounters resolve safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 17 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred at intersections in 2023, reflecting how much conflict is packed into these small stretches of roadway, whether the people involved are on foot or behind the wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at or near intersections, where turning, merging, and crossing traffic all interact in a confined space.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Leaving extra following distance around buses and large trucks, obeying posted signals, and staying alert near intersections all help drivers react in time when something unexpected happens.
What injuries are most common in crashes involving large vehicles?
Collisions between buses, trucks, and passenger vehicles often result in head, neck, and chest injuries, along with cuts and broken bones from the force of impact.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distracted driving, failure to yield, following too closely, and misjudging another vehicle's speed or stopping distance are frequent factors in crashes at intersections and merges.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in New Braunfels, TX
If you're involved in or witness a crash involving a school bus, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation afterward is a good idea, since some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms.
Cooperate with responding officers and provide a clear account of what you saw. If your vehicle was involved, get a copy of the police report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits or vehicle damage. Following official updates from local police or the school district can also help clarify what happened once the investigation wraps up.
