BASTROP, TX – A tragic accident involving a school bus and a concrete truck claimed the lives of a man and a child on Friday. When the accident occurred, the bus was filled with more than 40 passengers returning from a zoo field trip.
The bus, belonging to the Hays Consolidated Independent School District (CISD), flipped over around 2:15 p.m. near Texas State Highway 21 and Caldwell Road in Bastrop County. Reports indicate that a cement truck swerved into the school bus’ lane, resulting in the death of a child. A subsequent collision with a Dodge Charger led to the death of a man in the car.
According to the school district, the bus was returning from a field trip to a local zoo with 44 students and 11 adults on board. The passengers were pre-K students from Tom Green Elementary School.
The school district has communicated directly with the parents of the students and is currently organizing reunification efforts. Hays CISD staff, including transportation, counselors, safety and security personnel, and administrators, are cooperating with first responders at the scene and the reunification site.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his condolences and commended the first responders. He urged Texans to join him in prayer for the affected students and families and pledged the state’s full support to the community during this trying time.