A routine ride home turned into a scare for dozens of Memphis students Wednesday afternoon when a school bus allegedly ran a stop sign and collided with a pickup truck in Parkway Village, triggering a major emergency response and a police investigation. The crash happened just after 3:30 p.m. near Scottsdale Avenue and Chancellor Street while the bus was carrying more than 40 students, officials said. The driver has been placed on administrative leave while Memphis-Shelby County Schools and the bus company review what went wrong.
What police reported
Memphis police told FOX13 Memphis the bus ran a stop sign before striking a Dodge Ram 1500 at the intersection. Officers arrived shortly after 3:30 p.m., according to the department, and a passenger in the pickup was hurt, though the injuries were described as not life-threatening. Police say the crash investigation is ongoing and no charges have been announced.
District and bus company response
Memphis-Shelby County Schools told WMC Action News 5 it was not aware of any serious injuries, and that several passengers received medical attention at the scene as a precaution. The district said no students were transported to hospitals after initial checks by medics. First Student, the contractor providing bus service for MSCS, confirmed the driver has been placed on administrative leave while the company conducts an internal review.
Students and scene
Local reports say the bus was carrying more than 40 students when the crash occurred, according to FOX13 Memphis. MPD initially reported that two children were taken for treatment in non-critical condition, but district officials later told reporters parents declined transport after students were evaluated at the scene. Neighbors described a heavy emergency response and worried parents crowding the area near nearby schools as medics checked over the kids.
Investigation and next steps
Both the school district and First Student told WMC Action News 5 they plan to release more information as the Memphis Police Department continues its investigation. City traffic investigators are expected to review the crash scene to determine whether traffic citations or other actions are warranted. School officials have urged parents with concerns or questions to contact the MSCS transportation office for updates.
