UPDATED: BUS CRASH NEAR CARROLLTON SENDS MULTIPLE TO HOSPITAL

GREENE COUNTY — Emergency crews responded to a serious school bus rollover crash Wednesday afternoon north of Carrollton, sending multiple students and a staff member to area hospitals.

According to a preliminary report, the crash happened around 3:48 p.m. along U.S. 67 south of Northeast 400 Street when a southbound vehicle crossed the centerline into the bus’s lane. The North Greene school bus driver took evasive action to avoid a head-on collision, steering off the roadway. The bus then struck an embankment and rolled onto its side.

Greene County EMS, along with fire departments from White Hall and Carrollton, were dispatched to the scene just before 4 p.m., prompting a large emergency response that also included Illinois State Police, Scott County EMS, and two air medical helicopters. Air Evac 27 and Survival Flight were initially called but later canceled as ground transport was deemed sufficient.

By around 4:20 p.m., multiple patients were being transported by Greene County EMS to Boyd Hospital, while Scott County EMS took additional patients to Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

Authorities say eleven students and one staff member were injured in the crash. All injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.

The incident forced the closure of a stretch of U.S. 67 between Carrollton and White Hall for several hours, with the roadway reopening around 8 p.m. Drivers were urged to avoid the area as crews worked to clear the scene and assist those involved.

North Greene school officials say counseling and support services will be made available for students impacted by the crash. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.