On Dec. 12 near Ephraim, Utah, a southbound pickup crossed the centerline on U.S. Route 89 and collided with two northbound school buses. The pickup driver, a 43-year-old man, died at the scene; 18 people from the second bus were hospitalized with varying injuries. Two injured passengers were in critical condition and airlifted for treatment. Investigators suspect fatigued driving, and Wasatch Academy has activated trauma support and notified families.
Utah Crash: Pickup Crosses Centerline, Driver Killed; 18 From School Bus Hospitalized, 2 Critical
dps.utah.govScene of the fatal crash in Utah
One person was killed and 18 others were injured after a pickup truck crossed the centerline and collided with two northbound school buses on U.S. Route 89 near Ephraim, Utah, late Friday evening, Dec. 12, authorities said.
What Happened
Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) troopers responded to reports of the crash at about 8:30 p.m. local time. According to the UHP news release, the southbound pickup went "left of center," grazed the first northbound bus and then struck a second northbound bus head-on.
dps.utah.govScene of the fatal crash in Utah
Passengers and Injuries
The first bus was carrying approximately 19 students and reported no injuries. The second bus carried 17 students plus the driver; all 18 people on that bus were transported to a nearby hospital with varying injuries. Two of those injured were in critical condition and were flown from the scene by air ambulance for further treatment.
Fatality and Investigation
The driver of the pickup, a 43-year-old man, died from his injuries at the scene. Investigators told the UHP that fatigued driving is being suspected as the cause of the crash; the incident remains under investigation.
dps.utah.govScene of the fatal crash in Utah
School And Community Response
Both buses were operated for Wasatch Academy, a college-preparatory boarding school in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. The school issued a statement confirming the buses were theirs, noting there were no student or faculty fatalities, that families had been notified, and that trauma support services were activated. Wasatch Academy said it had adjusted academic schedules and prioritized student safety and care.
"Several members of the school community were injured and received or are continuing to receive medical care. One fatality has been reported in the other vehicle, and we extend our sincere condolences to those affected." — Wasatch Academy statement
The city of Mount Pleasant also released a statement offering condolences and support to the Wasatch Academy community as local responders and medical teams continued to care for the injured.
Note: Authorities continue to investigate the crash. More details, including any updates on the condition of those hospitalized, will be released by law enforcement and the school as they become available.
