A terrifying school bus crash in Massachusetts has left a driver fighting for her life—and a bus full of young students shaken after a frightening morning ride.
The incident happened around 8:40 a.m. on April 13 in Mashpee, when a school bus carrying 26 elementary students veered off the road and slammed into a tree. The children, ages 6 to 12, were on their way to Quashnet Intermediate School and Kenneth C. Coombs School when everything suddenly went wrong.
Officials say the driver is believed to have suffered a medical emergency behind the wheel. She was rushed to Cape Cod Hospital in life-threatening condition, while one student was also taken to the hospital as a precaution. Thankfully, all other students were checked at the scene and reported no major injuries.
But what happened inside the bus is what’s leaving many people stunned.
Parents say the driver appeared to realize something was wrong and tried to slow down and pull over before the crash. At some point, she reportedly became unconscious—prompting the children to try and wake her up as the situation unfolded.
Despite the chaos, the students stepped up in a big way.
According to school officials, one student called 911 while others contacted their parents to get help to the scene as quickly as possible. Older students also helped calm and comfort the younger kids during the terrifying moments after the crash.
Superintendent Dr. Michele Conners praised both the quick response from first responders and the bravery shown by the students.
“They helped bring a sense of calm and order to a stressful moment,” she said, noting that emergency crews even handed out stuffed animals to help comfort the children.
She also shared that the driver is a beloved member of the school community, and many families are now keeping her in their thoughts as she receives medical care.
Images from the scene show the bus with a cracked windshield, a reminder of how serious the crash could have been.