On November 12, around 2:56 p.m., a tragic traffic accident occurred on County Route 75 in the town of Henderson, Jefferson County. An SUV traveling northbound at a high rate of speed collided head‑on with a southbound school bus operated by the Belleville‑Henderson Central School District.
Fatalities and injuries
The crash proved fatal for the SUV driver, who succumbed to injuries at the scene according to New York State Police. The bus driver sustained serious injuries and was transported to Samaritan Medical Center for treatment.
Sixteen students were aboard the bus at the time of the collision. Four of those students were taken to Samaritan Medical Center with minor injuries, while a fifth student was driven by a parent to Carthage Area Hospital, also for minor injuries. The remaining eleven students were taken to the Smithville Fire Station, where parents and guardians arrived to pick them up.
Emergency response
New York State Police troopers were the first responders, securing the crash site and providing initial medical aid. Ambulances from the county and nearby hospitals were dispatched promptly, ensuring that all injured parties received timely care. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing, with officials reviewing vehicle speeds, road conditions, and any potential contributing factors.
Community impact
The accident has deeply affected the Henderson community, especially families with children in the Belleville‑Henderson school district. Local officials expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the importance of road safety, particularly on routes frequently used by school transportation.
School district representatives have not yet released a statement regarding any changes to bus routes or safety protocols, but they indicated that they will work closely with law‑enforcement and transportation officials to prevent future incidents.
Next steps
State Police will continue their investigation, gathering witness statements, reviewing dash‑cam footage, and analyzing the vehicles involved. The findings will be shared with the public once the investigation is complete.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant while driving near school zones and to adhere to posted speed limits, especially during peak school travel times.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
