On the first day of the new school year, a tragic incident occurred in Austin, Texas, when a school bus carrying more than 40 children rolled over onto its side. The accident left 12 individuals injured, raising serious concerns about the safety of school transportation in the area. The bus was part of the Leander Independent School District in northwest Austin, located in Travis County.
The accident took place on Nameless Road shortly after 3:15 p.m. local time. Emergency services from Austin-Travis County were quickly dispatched to the scene to provide assistance. Officials reported that there were a total of 42 children and one adult on board at the time of the rollover.
Photos from the accident scene depict the yellow school bus tipped over into an embankment, surrounded by trees, indicating significant damage to the vehicle. Of the 12 injured, emergency responders transported them to a local hospital for treatment. The remaining individuals were taken to a reunification center for further evaluation and to reconnect with their families.
According to Austin-Travis County officials, one individual sustained a life-threatening injury, while two others suffered from potentially life-threatening injuries. The remaining injured parties were reported to have non-life-threatening injuries. As of now, it has not been disclosed whether the adult on the bus was among those transported to the hospital.
This incident highlights the critical need for safety measures in school transportation. As investigations continue, local authorities and the school district are likely to assess the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of students in the future. The community is awaiting further updates on the condition of those injured in this alarming accident.
ABC News' Irving Last contributed to this report, bringing attention to a matter of significant concern for parents and guardians across the region.