Second School Bus Crash Involving Zoo Field Trip Sends Kids to Hospital

Duval County Public Schools bus collides with truck near railroad crossing, injuring students

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the twisted, damaged metal and shattered glass of a school bus and truck after a collision, capturing the stark, gritty aftermath of the accident without depicting any violence or victims.The aftermath of a second school bus crash in a week involving a field trip to the Jacksonville Zoo exposes the urgent need for improved transportation safety protocols.Today in Jacksonville

For the second time in a week, a Duval County Public Schools bus was involved in a crash on Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville, Florida while transporting students on a field trip to the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The latest incident occurred on April 8, 2026, when the bus collided with a truck near a railroad crossing, sending one adult and eight students to the hospital as a precaution.

Why it matters

These back-to-back incidents raise serious concerns about student safety and bus operations, particularly around railroad crossings during field trips. The crashes have prompted reviews of school transportation policies and procedures, as well as potential legal action from affected families.

The details

The latest crash happened around 1 p.m. on April 8 near a railroad crossing close to the zoo. A truck collided with the back of the bus, which had been stopped at the crossing as required by law. The truck driver said he was unable to stop in time due to the wet road conditions. Eight students and one adult were transported to the hospital, though the district said there were no reports of serious injuries.

  • The latest crash occurred on April 8, 2026 around 1 p.m.
  • A previous crash involving a Duval County school bus and a tractor-trailer happened on April 2, 2026 around 10:25 a.m. while the bus was stopped at a railroad crossing

The players

Duval County Public Schools

The school district responsible for the buses involved in the two recent crashes on Zoo Parkway.

Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department

The emergency response agency that transported the injured students and adult to the hospital after the April 8 crash.

John E. Ford Elementary

The school whose students were on the bus involved in the April 8 crash while returning from a field trip to the Jacksonville Zoo.

San Pablo Elementary School

The school whose kindergarten students were on the bus involved in the April 2 crash while en route to the Jacksonville Zoo.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the April 2 crash and cited the tractor-trailer driver for careless driving.

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What’s next

The school district and local authorities will continue investigating the causes of both crashes, review transportation safety protocols, and assess any potential legal action from affected families.

The takeaway

These back-to-back incidents involving school buses and railroad crossings during field trips have raised urgent concerns about student safety and the need for enhanced safety measures, driver training, and coordination between schools, transportation providers, and emergency responders.