Sep 28, 2022

Students air-lifted to hospital after Nebraska school bus, semi crash

Posted Sep 28, 2022 4:45 PM
Photo: Chase County Sheriff
Photo: Chase County Sheriff

By SCOTT CARLSON
North Platte Post

Law enforcement authorities have released more details on a crash involving a school bus and a semi in Chase County, Nebraska.

Just before 4p.m. Tuesday 3:57, deputies responded to the report of a bus rollover accident involving a semi on State Highway 15A and 736 Road South, just southwest of Imperial, Nebraska, according to the Chase County Sheriff's Office.

Photo: Chase County Sheriff
Photo: Chase County Sheriff

Authorities said a preliminary investigation indicates that the bus, a 2020 Integrated CES owned by Chase County Public Schools driven by Keith Cranwell, 39, of Champion, attempted to make a left turn when it collided with a northbound 1992 Peterbilt semi pulling a fully loaded grain trailer, owned by KAK Inc., of Champion, and driven by Chance Lotspeich, of Venango.

The semi struck the rear passenger side of the bus, causing it to rotate 90 degrees and roll onto the driver's side. The semi continued to travel north for a short distance after striking the bus and eventually left the roadway and came to rest on a property at 32815 15A Spur.

Authorities said the bus had been dropping off children after school and carried 11 students aged six to 15 years old.

Photo: Chase County Sheriff
Photo: Chase County Sheriff

All passengers and drivers were transported to Chase County Community Hospital with a wide range of injuries. Authorities said three students were transported to trauma centers by helicopter.

The crash remains under investigation. The Nebraska State Patrol is assisting the Sheriff's Office with the investigation.