A tragic accident occurred early this morning in Greenfield, Wisconsin, when a car collided with a school bus at the intersection of South 27th Street and Howard Avenue. While initial concerns focused on the possibility of student injuries, representatives confirmed that no children were present on the bus during the incident. The crash, which involved multiple vehicles, has left one person dead and several others facing potential injuries as investigators work to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the collision.
Accident Details and Circumstances
According to officials, the school bus involved in the accident was operated by Lamers Bus Lines, a company responsible for local school transportation. A Lamers representative explained that the bus was on its way back to the terminal, traveling southbound and preparing to make a left-hand turn onto Howard Avenue. At that moment, a car reportedly ran a red light, striking the bus. The force of the impact caused the car to become wedged underneath the bus, ultimately leading to a larger pileup involving several other vehicles.
The collision was severe, and preliminary reports indicate that the high speed of the car that ran the red light may have amplified the damage. Witnesses observed that the car was propelled into an adjacent lane after the initial collision, adding further chaos to the scene. When first responders arrived, they found four vehicles involved in addition to the school bus, making the rescue and investigative process complex and requiring the closure of the area.
Damage and Response
The crash resulted in significant damage to the vehicles involved, with extensive structural impacts observed in several cars, as well as the school bus. Emergency personnel arrived swiftly, working to assess injuries and begin the recovery process. While details on the extent of injuries to other drivers are not yet confirmed, the crash has tragically claimed the life of at least one individual.
First responders have been coordinating efforts to clear the scene and begin the necessary procedures for investigation and vehicle removal. Given the complexity of the incident, authorities have issued warnings for travelers to avoid the area around South 27th Street and Howard Avenue, advising that the scene will be closed for several hours as crews work to restore normal traffic flow. Local authorities have set up detours to redirect traffic and help prevent further accidents or complications.
Statements from Authorities and Lamers Bus Lines
The representative from Lamers Bus Lines emphasized that the bus was not carrying students at the time of the collision, which is a fortunate detail in a tragic situation. Authorities continue to work with Lamers to understand the specifics of the bus’s route, the driver’s perspective, and any additional information that could aid in determining the exact cause of the accident. The Lamers spokesperson reiterated that safety protocols are a priority for the company, and an internal review will likely follow as they cooperate with law enforcement.
Greenfield police are leading the investigation, with support from accident reconstruction teams and emergency responders. They have prioritized gathering witness statements, reviewing camera footage from nearby traffic and security cameras, and inspecting the involved vehicles to understand how the collision unfolded. Information from these assessments will inform a more detailed report, which officials hope to release in the coming days.
Road Closures and Ongoing Investigation
As investigators work at the scene, they have emphasized that the area around the intersection remains hazardous. Police have set up temporary barriers, and motorists are urged to heed detour instructions until further notice. The process of examining the crash site, documenting vehicle positions, and gathering forensic evidence is expected to be time-intensive. Investigators are also considering possible factors such as driver impairment, visibility, and traffic light function, although no definitive conclusions have been reached at this stage.
Traffic in the surrounding areas has been affected as a result of the road closures. Police are encouraging residents to avoid the area entirely or plan alternate routes if travel near the intersection is necessary. In the meantime, investigators will be consulting the bus driver and any surviving witnesses, as well as analyzing mechanical details from the vehicles, to piece together a comprehensive understanding of the incident.
Looking Forward: Safety and Community Response
While the collision has left the community in shock, residents and local officials are hopeful that the investigation will yield insights into preventing similar accidents in the future. Community members have already started discussing traffic safety at busy intersections, particularly those frequented by large vehicles like school buses. This tragic event has reignited conversations on road safety, and many are advocating for additional traffic control measures to protect both drivers and pedestrians.
The community has expressed relief that no children were on board the bus, yet they remain deeply concerned about the loss of life and the potential injuries suffered by other drivers. For the families and individuals affected, support systems are being mobilized to provide counseling and resources.
