NTSB: MEDICATION, FATIGUE CAUSED DEADLY SCHUYLER-INDUSTRY BUS CRASH

RUSHVILLE — Federal investigators say impairment from prescription medications and fatigue led to a deadly Schuyler-Industry school bus crash in west-central Illinois that killed five people in March 2024.

According to a newly released report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Schuyler-Industry school bus crossed the centerline on U.S. 24 near Rushville and collided head-on with a truck, triggering an immediate fire that engulfed both vehicles. The crash killed the bus driver, three young children, and the truck driver.

Investigators determined the bus driver was affected by multiple prescription medications, including drugs known to cause drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and impaired coordination. The report also found the driver was likely fatigued at the time of the crash, with limited sleep and additional disruption caused by the recent time change.

The NTSB found no evidence of braking before the crash, and a witness reported the bus gradually drifted into the oncoming lane while traveling at highway speed. The truck driver attempted to avoid the collision but did not have enough time to react.

The report also highlighted safety concerns within the Schuyler-Industry School District, including a lack of formal safety policies, no routine review of onboard bus camera footage, and repeated instances of distracted driving behavior by the driver in the days leading up to the crash.

Investigators noted that a lane-keeping safety system installed on the bus may have helped prevent the crash if it had been active, though its status could not be determined due to fire damage.

The NTSB concluded the probable cause of the crash was driver impairment and fatigue resulting from the combined effects of prescription medications.