Tooele, UT (March 27, 2025) – An afternoon trip back from the zoo took a turn for dozens of elementary school students and teachers after a school bus collided with a truck on March 25 in Tooele. The accident occurred along Main Street near the intersection of Vorwaller Drive.
According to Sgt. Colbey Bentley with the Tooele City Police Department, the school bus was traveling southbound on Main Street when it failed to stop in time, rear-ending a pickup truck that had stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross. The bus was transporting 54 children and 16 teachers at the time, returning from a field trip.
The driver of the truck was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, though they are expected to recover. Fortunately, none of the children or teachers sustained serious injuries. Emergency crews arrived quickly and ensured that all individuals were accounted for and safe before helping clear the scene. At this time, the incident is under investigation.
We’re thankful that no students or staff were seriously hurt in this crash.
Bus Accidents in Utah
Accidents involving school buses are rare but always alarming when they occur. In Utah, the Utah Department of Transportation tracks school bus safety closely, and while the state reports relatively low annual accident rates involving buses, crashes can still occur due to driver error or mechanical failure. Even minor bus crashes can result in injuries to multiple passengers due to the number of individuals onboard.
In light of this, it’s important to understand some key factors that contribute to bus accidents:
Following Too Closely: Tailgating or not maintaining a proper following distance is one of the most common causes of rear-end collisions, especially in urban or school zones. Large vehicles like school buses require more stopping distance, and failure to leave adequate space can lead to crashes when sudden stops occur.
Pedestrian Crosswalks and Stopped Vehicles: Many accidents occur when a driver fails to notice a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian. In school zones or near intersections, drivers must remain vigilant and prepared to stop, even unexpectedly. Accidents like this are a good reminder that situational awareness is critical.
Distraction Behind the Wheel: Even a glance away from the road can result in a serious crash. Texting, adjusting controls, or even looking in the mirror can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to miss a stop. This is especially dangerous when children are present.
Transporting Multiple Passengers: When a crash involves a bus, the risk for injury increases simply due to the number of people onboard. Even if no serious injuries are reported, post-crash trauma and stress can be significant — particularly for young students.
If you or a loved one was affected by this crash, speak with someone who can help. Call our Tooele bus accident attorneys. Reaching out to a lawyer immediately following an accident can make a world of difference in how your case is handled. Injuries may take time to appear, and getting proper documentation and support is essential. Legal teams can assist with insurance claims, medical paperwork and help ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s mistake.
At Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks, we work every day to help families in Tooele and throughout Utah move forward after serious accidents. From our Provo and South Jordan offices, we’ve spent decades handling personal injury cases with compassion and focus. We believe in giving clients direct access to their attorney, not just a case manager. We don’t charge any upfront fees, and you won’t pay unless we recover compensation for you. Our rates are often lower than many firms, and we don’t charge extra if a case goes to trial. Call (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation, and let us help you take the next step.
