On November 6, 2018, at 7:25 p.m. Kearney Police Department officers along with Good Samaritan Hospital EMS and the Kearney Fire Department were dispatched to 800 Block of E. 56th St. in Kearney regarding an injury vehicle crash.

The crash involved a black, 2006, Honda Civic, and a Holiday Express bus from Grand Island. The car was occupied by a driver and the bus was occupied by approximately 30 students from the Grand Island Walnut middle school girls’ basketball team as well as at least one coach.

The investigation revealed that both vehicles had been eastbound in the inside lane in the 800 block of E. 56th Street and the Honda had slowed or stopped in the traffic lane in order to make a left turn. The bus was directly behind the Honda and the driver failed to notice that the Honda had slowed or stopped and the bus collided with the rear of the Honda causing severe damage to the Honda and minor damage to the bus.

13 student-athletes were transported by 7 ambulances. 10 were sent to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and 3 to Kearney Regional Hospital. It is believed that all 13 of the injured were treated and released from the local hospitals. The bus driver was issued a citation for following too close.

Agencies assisting with accident include the Kearney Police Department, Kearney Fire Department, Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney Regional Hospital, Kearney Public Schools, and Grand Island public schools.