Fatal Crash Involving School Bus Kills Two Students on Field Trip

Tragic accident on Highway 70 in Carroll County leaves multiple injured, prompts massive emergency response.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:48am

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A fatal collision on Highway 70 in Carroll County, Tennessee involved a Montgomery County school bus, a TDOT dump truck, and a Chevrolet Trailblazer. Two students on the school bus were killed, and multiple others were injured and transported to area hospitals. The crash prompted a large emergency response, including nine air ambulance helicopters.

Why it matters

School field trips are meant to be educational and fun experiences for students, but this tragic accident on a rural highway highlights the risks and dangers that can occur during student transportation. The incident will likely prompt investigations into the cause of the crash as well as reviews of school bus safety protocols.

The details

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash involved a Montgomery County school bus carrying 25 students and 5 adults, a TDOT dump truck, and a Chevrolet Trailblazer. Two students on the school bus were killed in the collision. In addition to the students, there were two adults in the TDOT truck and one in the Trailblazer. Emergency responders transported multiple injured parties to hospitals in Memphis, Nashville, and Dickson.

  • The crash occurred on Highway 70 between Leach and Cedar Grove in Carroll County, Tennessee.
  • The incident happened on March 27, 2026.

The players

Tennessee Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the fatal crash.

Montgomery County School District

The school district that operated the bus involved in the tragic accident, which was transporting students from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip.

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)

The state transportation agency that operated the dump truck involved in the collision on Highway 70.

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What they’re saying

“We requested nine air ambulance helicopters to respond to the scene. Seven of those were used for patient transport to various hospitals including the Regional Medical Center in Memphis, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, and Vanderbilt University Hospital.”

— Unidentified Official

“Keep all of our first responders in your prayers because they've witnessed some stuff today that they'LL remember for the rest of their lives.”

— Unidentified Resident

“It involved three vehicles. A Montgomery County school bus, a TDOT dump truck, and a Chevrolet trailblazer. What we can see right now...it doesn't appear that tdot had any contributing factors to the crash. This crash investigation is still ongoing.”

— Unidentified Tennessee Highway Patrol Official

What’s next

The Tennessee Highway Patrol's Critical Incident Response Team, Motor Carrier Plus Division, and Pupil Transportation Troopers will continue investigating the cause of the fatal crash. Authorities will also review school bus safety protocols and procedures in the wake of the tragedy.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident serves as a tragic reminder of the risks students face during school transportation, even on routine field trips. It will likely prompt renewed discussions about improving safety measures for school buses and the transportation of students, as well as providing better support for first responders who witness such traumatic events.