A Morgan County R-II School District bus carrying 31 students went into a ditch in Gravois Mills on April 14 at 3:55 p.m. after its right-side tires moved slightly off the roadway on a curve.
The district said the driver kept control of the bus and helped prevent a more serious outcome. Gravois Fire Protection District and Versailles Rural Fire Protection District were dispatched to the scene, along with district administration, and all of the students on board were evaluated before being reunited with their families.
The bus had departed Little Tigers Early Learning Center before the accident, and the students ranged from pre-kindergarten through high school. Morgan County R-II later said a review of the incident found that soft ground conditions contributed to the crash.
Dr. Bryan Pettengill said the safety of students is the district’s top priority and thanked the driver, staff and local emergency personnel for their professionalism and quick response in protecting everyone involved. The outcome was a close call, but the district said there were no serious injuries.