BLOOMFIELD — A group of 10 students narrowly escaped serious injury Wednesday morning after their school bus lost control and came to rest on its side above a creek in rural Greene County.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office reported that the accident occurred at approximately 7:23 a.m. on January 7, 2026. The bus, a 2013 International operated by contract driver Joshua Francis, 45, of Newberry, was traveling west on East Mineral-Koleen Road when it entered a curve and left the roadway for reasons that remain under investigation.
After leaving the pavement, the bus traveled into a ditch and down an embankment. It finally came to a stop leaning heavily on its passenger side, perched just above a creek.
“Children were safely evacuated from the bus prior to law enforcement arrival,” authorities confirmed in a press release. While the scene was visually jarring, the quick evacuation prevented any further danger from the nearby water.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Van Der Aa and the district’s Transportation Director arrived at the scene around 7:55 a.m. to coordinate the response. According to district officials there were 10 students on board at the time of the crash.
Several juveniles reported minor injuries, such as bumps and scrapes. They were evaluated by the school nurse, and some were taken by family members for further medical evaluation.
As per standard procedure following any bus accident, the driver will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing.
Other buses were dispatched to the scene to ensure the remaining students were transported safely to school to begin their day.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office, led by investigating officer Deputy Harvey Holt, is continuing to look into the cause of the crash with assistance from the Indiana State Police. At this time, it is unclear if road conditions or mechanical failure played a role in the driver losing control on the curve.
“We are thankful that the injuries were minor and that all students are safe,” district officials noted in a statement to parents.
