1 Killed, Everyone Else Injured in Iowa College Bus Crash

The bus carrying Iowa Lakes Community College's baseball team crashed and overturned in a ditch in rural Iowa.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A community college bus carrying the school's baseball team crashed and overturned in a ditch in rural Iowa on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring all the other 32 occupants. The 11am crash involved the Iowa Lakes Community College bus and no other vehicles, and occurred on a highway near Twin Lakes, about 110 miles northwest of Des Moines.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the risks and dangers associated with student transportation, especially for athletic teams traveling long distances. It will likely prompt reviews of bus safety protocols and emergency response procedures at colleges across the state.

The details

According to authorities and media reports, the Iowa State Patrol said the bus crashed and overturned in a ditch on a highway near Twin Lakes. The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency declared a mass casualty incident due to the high number of injuries sustained by the 32 passengers.

  • The crash occurred at 11am on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Iowa Lakes Community College

A community college located in northwest Iowa that fields a baseball team.

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What’s next

Authorities will investigate the cause of the crash and review safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

This devastating accident underscores the importance of rigorous transportation safety measures for student athletes and the need for colleges to prioritize the wellbeing of their students when traveling to competitions.