Pella, IA (May 14, 2025) – A multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus led to two people being hospitalized Tuesday afternoon just outside of Pella, according to the Iowa State Patrol. The collision occurred around 4:00 p.m. on westbound Highway 163 and involved a car, an SUV, and a school bus transporting the Pella High School girls soccer team.
The crash report indicates that the SUV was traveling in the left lane and had slowed to make a left turn. A car traveling behind the SUV reportedly failed to slow down and rear-ended it, causing the SUV to overturn and strike the side of the school bus, which was in the adjacent right lane.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene and determined that two occupants of the SUV required immediate medical attention. A rear-seat passenger was airlifted to a hospital in Des Moines due to the severity of their injuries. Another passenger, seated in the front, was taken to Pella Regional Hospital via ground ambulance. The current condition of the victims has not been released.
Despite the violent impact, none of the students, coaches, or the bus driver aboard the school bus were injured. Pella Schools Superintendent Greg Ebeling confirmed that the team was en route to Newton for a scheduled match when the crash occurred. The Pella Police Department also assisted in securing the scene and coordinating with school officials.
The Iowa State Patrol continues to investigate the crash to determine the full sequence of events and contributing factors. Both lanes of Highway 163 were partially blocked during the emergency response and cleanup.
We extend our thoughts to those injured and hope for a swift and full recovery.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes and School Bus Involvements in Iowa
Tuesday’s serious accident outside of Pella underscores the dangers associated with rear-end collisions and the added complexity when school buses are involved. Though no injuries were reported among the Pella High School students or staff, the impact to the SUV and the resulting injuries illustrate how devastating a split-second misjudgment on the road can be.
Highway 163 is a well-traveled corridor through Marion County, frequently used by school and regional transport vehicles. When traffic slows for turns or merges, rear-end collisions become a significant risk—especially when drivers are distracted or following too closely. In this case, the inability of the trailing car to slow in time set off a chain reaction, with the SUV overturning and striking the school bus.
Rollover crashes, such as the one involving the SUV, are particularly dangerous due to the high likelihood of traumatic injuries. Emergency response teams must act quickly to assess the scene, extract occupants if necessary, and coordinate air or ground transportation to trauma centers.
The involvement of a school bus adds another layer of concern, even when no injuries occur on board. School districts often reevaluate routes, driver training, and safety protocols after such incidents to prevent future occurrences and reassure parents and the community.
For the injured passengers of the SUV, the road to recovery may be long and complex, involving both medical treatment and the need to understand their legal and financial options. In multi-vehicle crashes, determining liability and handling insurance claims can become particularly challenging, making early action and proper documentation critical.
At times like these, families need answers and support. Local Accident Reports connects victims of serious accidents with the tools and resources needed to navigate the difficult aftermath of a crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle accident—especially one involving a school bus or serious rollover—knowing where to turn can be overwhelming. Local Accident Reports helps victims get the clarity and support they need. Contact us today for compassionate, knowledgeable assistance.