A crash involving a Verndale school bus Thursday morning sent three people to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is now under investigation by the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol.
At around 7:50 a.m. on March 27, authorities were called to a motor vehicle crash in Section 23 of Wadena Township. According to Sheriff Michael D. Carr, a 2013 Chevrolet Impala driven by a 16-year-old female rear-ended a stopped Verndale school bus that was picking up students.
Two other juveniles—ages 15 and 9—were in the vehicle. The driver and one of the passengers were taken to Astera Health with injuries not considered life-threatening.
Officials believe sun glare may have been a contributing factor as the Impala crested a hill and struck the back of the bus.
There were 20 students on board the bus at the time, but no students were boarding when the crash happened. A second bus transported the students to school, where they were evaluated by staff, firefighters, and EMS. One student was later taken to the hospital by a family member for minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation. Agencies assisting at the scene included the Verndale Fire Department, Astera Health EMS, Minnesota State Patrol, and Premier Towing of Wadena.
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Crash Involving Verndale School Bus Sends Three to Hospital, Investigation Ongoing
Mar 28, 2025 | 4:43 AM