Tampico, IL (March 12, 2026) – Several students were injured on Tuesday afternoon, March 10, after a school bus left the roadway in Whiteside County.
Emergency units responded around 3:55 p.m. after authorities received reports of a possible crash involving a school bus. Deputies later located the bus at Tampico Elementary School after it had gone off the road and into a ditch.
Officials said students were on board the bus while it was transporting them home from school. Four students were taken to a local hospital for evaluation, though authorities reported that their injuries were not considered life-threatening. All were later released.
Investigators identified the bus driver as 40-year-old Timothy J. Spurlock of Rock Falls. They said he was cited for improper lane usage and released with a mandatory court appearance.
School district officials stated that students were evaluated after the incident and that families were notified.
The incident remains under investigation.
We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
Safety Considerations for School Bus Transportation
Routes connecting residential areas to schools near Tampico Elementary may experience congestion during dismissal hours. When incidents occur in Whiteside County, responders often focus on securing the scene and ensuring the safety of students.
School buses regularly travel neighborhood roads while transporting children to and from school. These vehicles are larger and heavier than passenger cars, and their movement along narrow or rural roads may require careful driving and lane positioning.
When a bus leaves the roadway or becomes involved in a crash, emergency crews typically assess every passenger for possible injuries. Even when injuries appear minor, students are often taken to hospitals for evaluation to confirm their condition and ensure their safety.
