Shreveport, La. — A school bus operated by the charter institution Magnolia School of Excellence was involved in a crash on Tuesday that resulted in at least ten people being taken to area hospitals. The accident occurred in the southbound lanes of Interstate 49, just south of the I‑20 interchange, after the vehicle reportedly suffered a tire blowout and drifted onto the shoulder.
The Shreveport Fire Department confirmed that those transported to medical facilities sustained only minor injuries. No fatalities have been reported, and the department praised the quick response of emergency crews who arrived on scene within minutes.
School’s response and investigation
Magnolia School of Excellence announced that it will conduct its own internal investigation to determine whether all safety protocols were followed. School spokeswoman Colleen Reynolds said the transportation department routinely inspects each bus before it departs and that every student had a seat at the time of the crash.
“What we have heard is that a tire blew,” Reynolds said. “And, you know, if a tire blew out, then the bus driver was heroic in making sure that nothing happened to these kids.” She added that the school would not speculate further until more information becomes available.
Parent concerns
One parent, speaking to KTBS, relayed that her child described the bus as overcrowded and noted that the driver appeared inattentive. Those claims have not been independently verified, and investigators have not confirmed whether overcrowding contributed to the incident.
The crash comes at a time when Magnolia and other local schools are actively recruiting new bus drivers, a process that has highlighted staffing challenges across the region. It remains unclear how long the driver involved in the accident had been employed in the school‑bus sector.
Ongoing police inquiry
Shreveport police are treating the incident as a traffic accident and are gathering evidence, including dash‑cam footage and witness statements, to determine the precise cause. Investigators have not released details about the driver’s condition or whether any disciplinary action will follow.
Reynolds indicated that the school could not yet confirm whether any of the injured students had been released from the hospital, emphasizing that families would be notified as soon as updates become available.
Community impact
The incident has prompted renewed discussion among parents, school officials, and local officials about transportation safety, driver training, and the importance of maintaining rigorous vehicle inspections. While the immediate focus remains on the health and recovery of the children involved, the broader community is watching closely to ensure that future trips remain safe for all students.
Authorities encourage anyone with additional information about the crash to contact the Shreveport Police Department’s traffic division.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
