Semi slams into school bus carrying kindergartners in Jacksonville

At least 4 students injured after bus rear-ended on Zoo Parkway near Imeson Park Boulevard

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the twisted, damaged rear end of a school bus, with shattered glass and twisted metal, conveying the severity of the collision without depicting any violence or victims.The aftermath of a semi-truck slamming into the rear of a school bus carrying kindergartners in Jacksonville, exposing the fragility of student transportation safety.Today in Jacksonville

A school bus carrying around 30 kindergarten students from San Pablo Elementary School was rear-ended by a semi-truck on Thursday morning in Jacksonville, Florida. According to the school district, at least four students sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital. Parents expressed shock and relief that their children were safe, with one parent describing the frightening scene after learning her daughter was on the bus.

Why it matters

School bus safety is a major concern for parents, and incidents like this can shake community trust in transportation providers. The crash raises questions about safety protocols, driver training, and the need for increased vigilance around school zones and high-traffic areas.

The details

The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Zoo Parkway near Imeson Park Boulevard as the bus was crossing train tracks. Video and photos show significant damage to the rear of the bus after being struck by the semi-truck. Duval County Public Schools said they are in direct contact with the families of the injured students, and all other students on the bus were reported to be safe.

  • The crash happened around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • The bus was transporting kindergarten students from San Pablo Elementary School to the zoo.

The players

Duval County Public Schools

The school district that oversees San Pablo Elementary School and was responsible for the school bus transporting the kindergarten students.

Axia Booker

A parent who was also a chaperone waiting for her six-year-old daughter at the zoo when she learned her daughter was on the bus that was hit.

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What they’re saying

“I was like freaking out. Luckily, one of the CSOs knows me because we used to work together. So he called me and told me to get here because my daughter told him my mom works at where I work at. The bus, she was on the bus and it hit them. She like went for it, hit her head on the window, but she was fine. Um, she said she was crying for me, but like other than that, she seems to be doing okay.”

— Axia Booker, Parent

What’s next

The school district and law enforcement are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash and the extent of the students' injuries. The district has said they will provide updates to families as more information becomes available.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of school bus safety and the need for heightened vigilance around high-traffic areas near schools. It also highlights the anxiety and fear parents experience when their children are involved in such traumatic events, underscoring the critical role schools and transportation providers play in ensuring student well-being.