Benton Harbor, MI — January 15, 2025, five people were injured in a bus accident at about 1:30 p.m. on Michigan 139 at East Empire Avenue.

Authorities said a Berrien Regional Education Service Agency bus pulled into the intersection when the traffic light turned green, colliding with a Medic 1 Ambulance that had been headed north on M-139 in response to an emergency call. The impact forced the bus into oncoming traffic, and it collided with another bus.

The Medic 1 paramedics suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities, while the driver of the second bus and an assistant on each bus suffered minor injuries.

Authorities said there were four students on the buses at the time of the crash, but they were not injured.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

This crash highlights the complexities of navigating intersections, particularly when emergency vehicles are involved. The collision between a school bus, an ambulance and another bus underscores the importance of clear communication, awareness and caution in high-stakes traffic scenarios.

One key question is how the school bus and ambulance ended up colliding. While the traffic light reportedly turned green for the bus, emergency vehicles responding to calls are often permitted to proceed through red lights when using lights and sirens. Investigators will need to determine whether the ambulance’s warning signals were active and whether the bus driver saw and responded to them appropriately.

Another critical factor is the timing of the bus’s entry into the intersection. Did the bus driver begin moving immediately after the light changed, or was there a delay that might have created confusion? Similarly, did the ambulance have adequate time and space to safely proceed through the intersection, or was its approach obstructed or otherwise limited?

The involvement of a second bus further complicates the scenario. When the school bus was pushed into oncoming traffic, it suggests a significant impact force from the initial collision. Investigators will need to review evidence such as vehicle speeds, skid marks and any available surveillance footage to understand the dynamics of the crash.

The condition and behavior of all vehicles involved should also be examined. For the ambulance, were its lights and sirens functioning properly, and was the driver following protocols for navigating intersections? For the buses, were their braking systems and other safety features in proper working order, and did the drivers follow established safety procedures?

The absence of injuries among the students on the buses is a relief and speaks to the effectiveness of school bus safety features. However, the injuries sustained by the paramedics and bus personnel highlight the risks faced by those responding to emergencies and transporting vulnerable passengers.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and clear protocols for drivers encountering emergency vehicles. A thorough investigation will help clarify what went wrong, identify accountability and guide improvements to reduce the likelihood of similar collisions in the future.