At least two students are dead and eight others injured after a bus crash occurred in Carroll County, TN on Friday, March 27. The cause of the accident is currently unknown. The crash is currently under investigation by both the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and a preliminary report should be out within a few weeks.

Fatal Bus Crash Leaves Two Dead

A bus crash in Carroll County, TN, just west of Nashville, left two Kenwood Middle School students dead, as well as injuring at least seven other students and the bus driver. The accident occurred when the bus seemingly, without warning, departed from its lane and crossed the center line of traffic, according to video of the incident. The bus then collided with a dump truck and an SUV, before winding up in a ditch by the side of the road.

Community Grapples With the Aftermath

The students and loved ones of those who died were left in shock, and a memorial was created for them so those affected could appropriately mourn. Meanwhile, of those injured, four required hospitalization, all but one had gone home by the following Monday. A single student remains in the hospital, but is said to be in stable condition.

Driver Conduct and Safety Procedures Under Scrutiny

Both the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the NTSB are conducting an investigation of the incident to discover why it happened. While no specific cause has been publicly identified, one point of particular interest is why the driver appeared to cross over the center line. There will also be an analysis of the bus safety procedures, as well as any protections for student passengers that exist, and whether there was sufficient oversight to prevent crashes like these.

What Happens Now

The NTSB will issue a preliminary report on the bus crash sometime within the next few weeks, which should have the most immediate assessment of why the crash happened. During that process, investigators will interview victims, examine the vehicles involved in the crash, and compile other relevant information.  A full investigation, however, can take up to 18 months to complete, and that will give the most complete picture of what occurred.