Buckeye, AZ — January 15, 2024, four people were injured in a bus accident at about 3 p.m. near Sundance Parkway and Rainbow Road.

Authorities said a school bus and a pickup crashed near the intersection, but they have not detailed what happened at this point.

The bus driver and three students from the bus were hospitalized after the crash, according to authorities.

The other five students on the bus were checked out by emergency personnel, as were the pickup driver and a passenger, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash.

The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

This crash raises important questions about how and why the vehicles collided. Any crash involving a school bus demands close scrutiny to ensure accountability and identify ways to prevent future incidents, particularly when students are injured.

One key question is what led to the collision. Did one of the vehicles fail to yield at the intersection, or did a misjudgment, distraction or unexpected maneuver contribute to the crash? Investigators will need to review evidence such as skid marks, vehicle positions and any available surveillance or dashcam footage to understand the sequence of events.

Another important consideration is the role of the intersection itself. Was it equipped with clear traffic controls, such as stop signs or signals? Poor visibility, inadequate signage or complex traffic patterns can increase the likelihood of collisions. If the design of the intersection played a role, improvements may be necessary to enhance safety for all road users.

The school bus driver’s actions will also come under scrutiny. Commercial drivers, particularly those transporting children, are held to a higher standard of care. Investigators will need to determine whether the driver was operating the bus safely and responding appropriately to the traffic conditions. Similarly, the pickup driver’s behavior must be examined to identify whether their actions contributed to the crash.

For the students on the bus, the presence of injuries emphasizes the importance of safety measures. Investigators should confirm whether seatbelts or other protective features were in place and functioning as intended. While school buses are designed to protect passengers in crashes, ensuring all safety protocols are followed is critical.

This incident highlights the need for vigilance and careful attention to detail when operating vehicles in areas with intersections, particularly those involving school transportation. For the injured parties and their families, understanding what caused this crash is essential to ensuring accountability and guiding measures to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.