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ODESSA, Ector County, Texas, Sept. 18, 2026 — An Ector County school bus carrying 14 people crashed on Thursday morning, September 17, after leaving the roadway and striking a trailer and two parked vehicles, according to authorities.
The Odessa Police Department said officers responded around 8 a.m. to the area of Monahans Street and Milton Avenue. The bus was reportedly traveling east in the 1000 block of West Monahans Street when the driver failed to control the vehicle's speed, causing it to leave the road.
The bus then struck a trailer parked along the south curb before continuing into a nearby private parking lot, authorities said. It reportedly collided with a parked white Dodge Caravan and a gray Dodge Charger before coming to a stop.
The bus driver was taken to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening, according to police, who said the driver was cited for failure to control speed. No other injuries were reported among the 14 people aboard the bus, authorities said. The crash remains under review by police.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About School Bus Crashes
Many people assume that when a school bus is involved in a crash, the children aboard face the greatest risk of being hurt or killed. The data on school-transportation crashes tells a different story.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 70 percent of people killed in school-transportation-related crashes were occupants of other vehicles from 2014 through 2023. The size and structure of buses tend to protect the students riding inside, while drivers and passengers in smaller cars, vans, or trucks involved in the same crash carry more of the risk.
That pattern shows up in crashes involving parked or other vehicles struck by a bus, not just crashes between a bus and another vehicle in motion. It's a reminder that bus safety isn't only about what happens inside the bus. It's also about what happens to everyone else nearby when something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Check for injuries, move to a safe location if possible, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers and take photos of the scene, vehicle positions, and any damage before things are moved.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur close to home, on local roads and at intersections, often at lower speeds. That doesn't make them minor. It just means familiar routes deserve the same attention as unfamiliar ones.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Keeping a safe following distance, avoiding distractions, obeying posted speed limits and staying alert around parked vehicles and pedestrians all lower the odds of a crash.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Whiplash, cuts and bruises, and broken bones are common in lower-speed crashes. Head and spinal injuries can occur in more forceful impacts and should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
What to Do After a School Bus Crash in Odessa, TX
If you're involved in or witness a school bus crash in Odessa, stay calm and check on anyone who may be hurt before doing anything else. Call 911 right away so paramedics and police can respond.
Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked out by a doctor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Cooperate with responding officers and provide an honest account of what you saw.
If your vehicle was parked or otherwise not directly involved but was damaged, document everything with photos and get a copy of the police report for your records. Give yourself time to process the experience, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if it's needed.
