Wappapello, MO (April 22, 2026) – A bus crash on Highway PP left five people hurt on Monday, April 20, roughly 15 miles west of Wappapello. The crash was reported at approximately 3:55 p.m.
According to authorities, a 53-year-old woman was driving a 2017 Bluebird Bus northbound when the vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree. Five passengers were inside the bus at the time of the crash.
All five, four males and one female, suffered minor injuries. Each of them was taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for treatment. The ages of those involved 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 injured as they receive medical care.
What Factors Are Commonly Linked to Bus Run-Off-Road Crashes in Missouri?
Bus run-off-road crashes can happen for a variety of reasons, and they tend to draw attention because of the number of people on board. Driver fatigue, sudden distractions, and road conditions are among the factors that may contribute to a large vehicle leaving its lane on a rural highway. Missouri’s rural roads, many of which are two-lane and lined closely by trees, leave little room for a driver to recover once a bus begins to drift.
The size and weight of a bus also affect how quickly a driver can respond to losing control. Unlike a passenger car, a bus takes more distance and effort to bring back onto the road safely. When a bus does strike a fixed object like a tree, even at moderate speeds, the force of impact can be significant for everyone inside.
