2 Students Killed, 7 Injured in Tennessee School Bus Crash

Authorities investigating cause of collision involving school bus, dump truck, and SUV

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:18am

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Two students were killed and at least seven other people were injured Friday in a school bus crash in west Tennessee, officials said. The crash involving a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck, a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and the school bus took place on Highway 70 in Carroll County.

Why it matters

School bus crashes are tragic events that can have devastating impacts on local communities. This incident raises questions about road safety, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response protocols that will need to be addressed.

The details

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the school bus was carrying 25 students and 5 adults from Kenwood Middle School in Clarksville on a field trip to Jackson, Tennessee. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but authorities said the dump truck did not directly contribute to the collision.

  • The crash occurred around noon on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • The school bus was en route to Jackson, Tennessee at the time of the incident.

The players

Tennessee Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency investigating the cause of the crash.

Kenwood Middle School

The school in Clarksville, Tennessee whose students and staff were aboard the bus during the incident.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The state agency whose dump truck was involved in the multi-vehicle collision.

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What they’re saying

“This is a parent's worst nightmare.”

— Maj. Travis Plotzer, Spokesperson, Tennessee Highway Patrol

What’s next

Authorities will continue investigating the cause of the crash and determining if any charges will be filed. The school district is providing counseling and support services for the affected students and families.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and maintenance for school transportation, as well as the need for robust emergency response plans to address such catastrophic events in local communities.