RIDGELAND, Madison County, Miss., Oct. 29, 2026 — A Madison County Schools bus collided with another vehicle Monday morning, October 27, at the intersection of Colony Park Boulevard and Highway 51 in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Thirteen students were taken to a local hospital for evaluation, according to the school district.
Police and emergency medical crews responded to the scene around 8:30 a.m., the district said. Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers said 32 people were on the bus, 31 of them students, when the crash happened.
Thirteen students were transported to a hospital for treatment, and additional students were picked up by parents and taken for evaluation on their own, the district reported. The extent of any injuries has not been released. Chief Myers said no injuries were reported in the other vehicle involved.
District staff were working to reunite students with parents and guardians following the crash, and the district said it was contacting the families of students who had been on the bus directly. "The safety and security of our students is our utmost concern, and we are working closely with first responders and families," the district said in a statement, adding that more information would be shared as it becomes available.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Intersection Safety in Mississippi
The crash was reported at Colony Park Boulevard and Highway 51 in Ridgeland. Readers following crash news in Madison County can find more about intersections across the state on our guide to Mississippi intersections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes crashes involving school buses or multiple vehicles at intersections?
Intersection collisions are often linked to failure to yield, running a red light or stop sign, or misjudging the timing of oncoming traffic. Investigators typically review signal timing, driver statements, and any available video before determining a cause.
Does speed make a difference in how serious a crash like this turns out to be?
Yes. Even modest increases in speed reduce the time a driver has to react and increase the force involved in a collision, which tends to raise the chance of serious injury.
Why is distracted driving considered such a serious risk near schools and bus routes?
A driver looking at a phone or otherwise not watching the road can miss a stopped bus, a changing signal, or children nearby, and that split-second lapse is often enough to cause a crash.
Can weather or road conditions play a role in intersection crashes?
Wet pavement, glare, or poor visibility can affect stopping distances and a driver's ability to judge another vehicle's speed, which can contribute to collisions at intersections even when conditions seem otherwise normal.
What to Do After a School Bus Crash in Ridgeland, Mississippi
If your child was on a bus involved in a crash, start by confirming where they are and whether they've been seen by medical personnel, even if they say they feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain or symptoms of a concussion for hours. Follow up with a pediatrician or urgent care visit in the day or two afterward, and keep notes on any symptoms like headaches, neck pain, or anxiety that show up later.
Ask the school district for a written account of what happened and who responded, and keep any paperwork from the hospital or treating providers. If you were the driver of another vehicle involved, exchange information with police on scene and request a copy of the crash report once it's available. Reporting the incident promptly to your insurance company, and documenting everything while it's fresh, makes things easier regardless of what comes next.
