Westmoreland, TN (April 30, 2025) – A substitute school bus carrying nearly 20 students overturned Monday afternoon, April 28, on Rock House Hollow Road in the Westmoreland area of Sumner County, sending at least five students to nearby hospitals.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that the crash happened when the bus driver lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road into a dry creek bed, and struck a bridge. The impact caused the bus to flip onto its side. Bus #612 was being used as a replacement for bus #639 and was transporting 19 middle and high school students from Westmoreland schools when the incident occurred.

The bus driver and five students sustained injuries described as minor to moderate, according to initial findings by THP. Emergency responders quickly arrived to treat the injured and transport them to local hospitals for further evaluation.

Authorities say the remaining students, though shaken, were uninjured and were transported to Bethpage Elementary School, where their parents were instructed to pick them up. The Sumner County Sheriff's Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol are leading the investigation, which may result in charges against the driver depending on further findings. Local authorities have not released the names of the injured individuals as the investigation continues. Officials are working to determine the exact cause of the accident

We hope all students and the bus driver injured in this accident recover quickly.

Bus Accidents in Tennessee

School bus accidents in Tennessee are rare, but when they do happen, they pose a significant risk to children. In recent years, the state has averaged more than 100 school bus crashes annually, according to Tennessee Department of Safety data. Many of these involve minor injuries, but serious cases have been documented.

When looking at the most common causes of school bus accidents, several key factors stand out:

• Driver Error: This includes distracted driving, fatigue, or simply misjudging road conditions. In many crashes, investigators find that a split-second decision or oversight resulted in a serious incident.
• Road Conditions: Rural roads, especially those that are narrow or poorly maintained, can contribute to loss of control. Wet, icy, or gravel-covered surfaces make it harder for drivers to maintain control, especially when navigating curves.
• Mechanical Failure: Buses, like all vehicles, require regular maintenance. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering issues can turn a routine trip into an emergency. Poor oversight in maintenance schedules can lead to avoidable crashes.
• Inexperienced or Substitute Drivers: Sometimes, substitute drivers may not be as familiar with specific routes or road challenges. This unfamiliarity can increase the chance of accidents, especially on rural or winding roads.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a school bus accident, it's crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact our Westmoreland bus accident attorneys. Speaking with an attorney early can help preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies, and ensure that families receive the support they need. Don't wait to protect your rights after a serious crash.

At DZ Law, we offer free consultations and are ready to help you understand your legal options. Call our team at 865-259-0020 to get started today. We understand how overwhelming accidents can be, especially those involving children. Our team is here to provide the guidance you need and fight for fair results. You don't need to navigate this process alone. Let our Westmoreland bus accident attorneys advocate for your family. With years of experience handling injury cases, we know how to pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out today — we're ready to help.

Notes: This post was compiled using information from secondary sources, including but not limited to local news outlets, state and local police reports, social media, and eyewitness accounts related to serious accidents in Eastern Tennessee. While DZ Law strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we have not independently verified all details of this incident. If you believe any information in this post is inaccurate, please contact us immediately so we can make corrections and ensure accuracy. Additionally, we are happy to honor requests to remove this post if necessary.

Disclaimers: This accident update is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended as a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Please note that the content in this post should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the image accompanying this post is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the accident described.