Adams County, PA — January 21, 2025, five people were injured in a bus accident at about 2:30 p.m. in the 700 block of Tapeworm Road.

Authorities said a school van was unable to handle a sharp turn on the wet, slippery road and crashed into a telephone pole.

All five students in the van were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries, according to authorities. The bus driver was not injured.

The van reportedly was operated on behalf of the Conewago Valley School District.

The accident is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Crashes involving school vehicles, like this one, raise important questions about the measures in place to ensure the safety of student passengers. At first glance, this crash might appear to be the result of poor road conditions, but as with most accidents, a deeper investigation is necessary to understand whether additional factors played a role and what could have been done to prevent it.

One of the first issues investigators should address is whether the school van was being operated safely given the road conditions. Wet and slippery roads are always a challenge, but experienced drivers know to adjust their speed and maneuvering accordingly, particularly when transporting students. Investigators will need to determine whether the driver was operating at an appropriate speed for the sharp turn and whether their actions were consistent with safe driving practices.

Another area to examine is the condition of the van itself. Was the vehicle properly maintained? Factors like worn tires or malfunctioning brakes can significantly increase the likelihood of losing control on slippery roads. If the van was not in proper working condition, the responsibility may extend to the company or organization responsible for its upkeep.

The design and condition of the road should also come under scrutiny. Sharp turns can be dangerous, particularly on rural roads, and it’s worth asking whether this section of Tapeworm Road had adequate warning signs, speed limits or other measures to alert drivers of the risks. Poorly maintained or poorly designed roads can amplify the danger of already challenging conditions, and those responsible for the roadway’s maintenance may share liability if such factors played a role.

Finally, it’s important to consider whether the driver was adequately trained and prepared for the unique challenges of operating a school van. Drivers entrusted with student passengers have a higher duty of care, and ensuring they have the proper training and qualifications is critical. If gaps in the driver’s preparation or qualifications are discovered, that would raise serious concerns about oversight by the district or the transportation company involved.

Ultimately, crashes like this one highlight the need for a thorough examination of all contributing factors — driver behavior, vehicle condition and roadway design — to ensure that student transportation is as safe as possible. While it’s fortunate that the injuries in this case appear to be minor, even close calls like this one should serve as an opportunity to identify and address potential weaknesses in the systems designed to protect young passengers.