Two Students Killed in Tennessee School Bus Crash

Multiple others injured in collision involving school bus, TDOT truck, and passenger vehicle

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged school bus part, such as a crumpled side panel or broken window, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The aftermath of a tragic school bus crash in Tennessee exposes the urgent need for improved safety protocols and oversight in student transportation.Jackson Today

Two students were killed and multiple others injured on Friday when a school bus carrying Kenwood Middle School students to a STEM competition crashed on Highway 70 in Carroll County, Tennessee. The bus was transporting around 24 students and 4 teachers to an event in Jackson when the collision occurred around 12 p.m. involving a TDOT dump truck and a passenger vehicle.

Why it matters

School bus safety and the oversight of student transportation operations have come under increased scrutiny in recent years, with concerns about driver performance, vehicle maintenance, and passenger protection. This tragic incident in Tennessee highlights the need for rigorous safety protocols and accountability measures to protect vulnerable student passengers.

The details

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 12 p.m. on Highway 70 and involved the Montgomery County school bus, a TDOT dump truck, and a passenger vehicle. Two students were pronounced dead at the scene, while multiple injured passengers were airlifted to trauma centers in Nashville and Memphis. Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County confirmed it received and treated 19 patients from the crash, all of whom were evaluated and discharged.

  • The crash occurred around 12 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2026.
  • The students were traveling to Jackson for a GreenpowerUSA STEM competition scheduled for March 27-28.

The players

Kenwood Middle School

The school whose students were aboard the bus involved in the fatal crash.

Tennessee Highway Patrol

The lead agency investigating the incident.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The federal agency that has launched a safety investigation in coordination with the Tennessee Highway Patrol to examine school bus driver performance, student passenger occupant protection, and the oversight of school transportation operations.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County

The hospital that received and treated 19 patients from the crash, all of whom were evaluated and discharged.

Suzy Butler

A parent of a student on the trip, who confirmed the bus was transporting STEM students from Kenwood Middle School to Jackson for a GreenpowerUSA event.

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What they’re saying

“The students had been working on a Greenpower curriculum all year, which involved building a car or cart from the ground up.”

— Suzy Butler, Parent of a student on the trip

What’s next

The NTSB investigation will examine school bus driver performance, student passenger occupant protection, and the oversight of school transportation operations. A preliminary report may be available in about 30 days, and a full investigation can take 12 to 24 months to complete.

The takeaway

This tragic incident in Tennessee underscores the critical importance of robust safety measures and accountability in student transportation. As the NTSB investigation unfolds, it will be crucial for policymakers, school districts, and transportation providers to carefully review the findings and implement any necessary reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.