Portsmouth officials confirmed that a school bus carrying Manor High School students was involved in a crash on Greenwood Drive at approximately 2:27 p.m. on Tuesday. The vehicle was on its regular dismissal route when the incident occurred, prompting an immediate response from Portsmouth police and school district personnel.
Students taken for medical evaluation
According to a spokesperson for Portsmouth Public Schools, 38 students were on the bus at the time of the crash. Eighteen of those students were transported to a local hospital for evaluation of injuries. The school district described the injuries as minor, and all affected families were notified directly by school administrators.
Communication with parents
Initially, school officials sent a message to parents stating that no injuries had been reported and that a replacement bus was on its way. After the replacement bus arrived and students resumed their route home, a second message was issued to update parents that some students had reported minor injuries and were being taken for medical evaluation. The messages read in part:
“Good afternoon, Parents of Manor High School students on Bus 230. Your child’s bus was involved in an accident this afternoon while on its dismissal route. No injuries have been reported, and a replacement bus is on its way. Your child will be delayed coming home. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, you are welcome to call the main office at [phone number]. Thank you.”
“Good afternoon, Parents of Students on Bus 230. We are calling with an update to today’s accident. The replacement bus has arrived and students are back on the dismissal route home. Since the last message to you, and while waiting for the replacement bus, some students have reported minor injuries. They are being transported for evaluation, and their families have been notified directly by school administration. Again, if you have any immediate questions or concerns, you are welcome to call the main office at [phone number]. Thank you.”
Police investigation underway
Portsmouth police arrived on the scene shortly after the crash was reported and are conducting an active investigation. Details about the cause of the collision have not yet been released, and officials have asked the public to allow investigators time to complete their work.
Community response
Local residents expressed concern for the students and praised the swift response of emergency personnel. The incident underscores the importance of school transportation safety and the need for clear communication between schools and families during emergencies.
Portsmouth Public Schools has indicated that it will review its transportation protocols in light of the incident to ensure the continued safety of students. Parents are encouraged to stay in touch with school officials for any further updates regarding their child’s condition.
For families seeking additional information, the school district’s main office remains available to answer questions.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
