Porterville, CA (April 4, 2026) – Two drivers were injured following a crash involving a pickup truck and a school bus on Thursday evening at the intersection of Highway 190 and Westwood near Porterville.
The collision occurred on April 2, when a Dodge Ram traveling westbound on Highway 190 struck a Porterville Area school bus traveling southbound on Westwood. Reports indicate that the bus was making a left turn at the intersection when the truck struck the side of the bus.
Emergency units responded to the scene and found the truck driver trapped inside the vehicle. Crews worked to free him using specialized equipment before both drivers were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries.
Officials confirmed that no students were on the bus at the time of the crash. Additional details about the events leading up to the collision have not been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
What Happens When Large Vehicles Are Involved in Intersection Crashes
Crashes involving larger vehicles, such as buses and trucks, can result in more severe damage due to their size and weight. When these vehicles collide at intersections, the impact can be more severe, especially during turns.
Three-way stops require drivers to carefully judge timing and right-of-way. If one vehicle misjudges speed or distance, a side-impact crash can occur, potentially leading to serious injuries.
In situations where a driver becomes trapped, emergency crews may use specialized tools to safely access the vehicle. These responses can take time and often require traffic control to allow responders to work without interruption.
