Driver Injured Following School Bus Crash on Hwy 478

In the afternoon on Monday 13 March 2023, a Natchitoches Parish school bus and a passenger car collided on Highway 478 just west of I-49 outside of Natchitoches. Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS, and others.

Along with the bus driver, the school bus held at least three dozen students on board. The only passenger of the passenger car—a Mazda Tribute—was trapped inside his car for over 20 minutes and suffered what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. He was airlifted to a Regional Trauma Center in order to be safe.

It’s believed that the man drifted across the centerline of the road, striking the school bus nearly head-on. While we don’t know the details of this crash, it’s possible the man was not paying attention to the road in front of him as he drove west down Hwy. 478, leading to the crash.

This accident serves to underline the importance of always being alert on every drive. Don’t drive distracted, and definitely don’t text and drive, when behind the wheel. The consequences can be dire.