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Fatal Crash Between SUV and School Bus in Salem Leaves 1 Dead, Students Injured
The collision occurred on Highway 22 as the bus was transporting students to a field trip at Western Oregon University.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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A fatal collision between an SUV and a Salem-Keizer school bus occurred on the morning of February 23, 2026 on Highway 22 at its intersection with Highway 51 west of Salem. The driver of the SUV died in the crash, while one student and the bus driver sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The bus was carrying 60 students from North Salem High School to Western Oregon University for a field trip.
Why it matters
School-related transportation incidents can have a significant emotional impact on a community, highlighting the importance of providing immediate support services to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
The details
Oregon State Police reported that the crash remains under investigation. All eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 22 were initially closed following the incident but fully reopened around 2 p.m. Salem-Keizer Public Schools confirmed that a counseling team was made available to support both students and staff affected by the crash.
- The crash was reported at 9:49 a.m. on February 23, 2026.
- The highway fully reopened around 2 p.m. on the same day.
The players
Oregon State Police
The law enforcement agency investigating the crash.
Salem-Keizer Public Schools
The school district that the students involved in the crash attend.
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
The state agency that oversees the highways and advised drivers to find alternate routes following the crash.
What’s next
The crash remains under investigation by Oregon State Police.
The takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the importance of prioritizing student safety and well-being in school-related transportation, as well as the need for communities to have robust emergency response and support systems in place to address the emotional impact of such events.
