Otsego Twp., IN (April 7, 2026) – Two people were injured after a school bus overturned on Monday morning, April 6, in rural Otsego Township.
The crash occurred just after 9:30 a.m. in the 5500 block of South County Road 300 East. Emergency units responded to the scene and found the bus on its side in a ditch off the west side of the roadway.
Authorities said the bus was carrying the driver and one passenger at the time. Both were able to exit the vehicle and were later taken to a hospital with reported pain. The driver was identified as 71-year-old Jennie Hammond of rural Angola, and the passenger was a 19-year-old.
Investigators reported the bus drifted off the road before overturning. A review of the onboard video indicated the driver was briefly distracted by a cellphone. The crash remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
What Factors Can Lead to School Bus Rollover Crashes?
Rollover crashes involving buses can happen when a vehicle leaves the roadway and encounters uneven ground or a slope. Even at moderate speeds, a large vehicle like a bus can tip if its tires lose contact with the pavement.
Roadways such as South County Road 300 East may include narrow shoulders or ditches, which can increase the chance of a rollover if a driver veers off course. In Otsego Township, responders often work to stabilize traffic and ensure safe access to these rural areas.
Driver attention plays a major role in maintaining control of a vehicle. Even a brief distraction can affect steering and lane position, especially on straight rural roads where small movements can lead to larger consequences.
