Pella School Bus Accident Leaves Two With Injuries

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Accident Details and Circumstances

The Pella school bus accident occurred on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at approximately 3:15 PM. The precise location was the intersection of 8th Street and Main Street in Pella, near the Pella Community Center. A Pella Community School District bus, identified as bus number 17, was involved in a collision with a silver sedan, a 2018 Honda Accord. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear and dry, with light winds. Currently, the cause of the accident is under investigation by the Pella Police Department, but initial reports suggest that the sedan may have run a red light.

• Time of the accident: 3:15 PM, Tuesday, October 24, 2023
• Exact location of the accident: Intersection of 8th Street and Main Street, Pella, IA (near Pella Community Center)
• Description of vehicles involved: Pella Community School District bus #17, 2018 Honda Accord
• Weather conditions at the time of the accident: Clear and dry
• Preliminary information on the potential cause: Possible running of a red light by the sedan (under investigation)

Injuries and Emergency Response

Two individuals sustained injuries in the Pella school bus accident. A student on the bus, a 12-year-old girl named Sarah Miller (name changed to protect privacy), suffered a broken arm and minor head trauma. The driver of the Honda Accord, a 45-year-old male identified as John Doe (name changed to protect privacy), sustained more severe injuries, including a fractured leg and internal injuries. Pella Police and Fire Departments, along with Pella Ambulance Services, responded swiftly to the scene. Both injured individuals were transported to Pella Regional Health Center for treatment. Sarah Miller was later released, while John Doe remains hospitalized in stable condition. There were no other significant injuries reported among the students on the bus.

• Description of injuries sustained: Sarah Miller (broken arm, minor head trauma), John Doe (fractured leg, internal injuries)
• Names of emergency services involved: Pella Police Department, Pella Fire Department, Pella Ambulance Services
• Hospitals where the injured were transported: Pella Regional Health Center
• Condition of the injured: Sarah Miller (released), John Doe (stable)

School District Response and Investigation

The Pella Community School District responded immediately to the Pella school bus accident. Superintendent Dr. Greg Ebeling released a statement expressing concern for the injured and assuring the community that a thorough investigation was underway. The school district offered counseling services to students and staff affected by the incident. The Pella Police Department is leading the investigation into the cause of the accident, and the school district has initiated an internal review of its bus safety protocols to identify any areas for improvement. This review will include examining driver training procedures, bus maintenance schedules, and emergency response plans.

• Official statement from the Pella School District: Statement released by Superintendent Dr. Greg Ebeling expressing concern and promising a thorough investigation.
• Support measures offered to students and families: Counseling services provided.
• Details about the ongoing investigation: Led by Pella Police Department.
• Plans for reviewing school bus safety protocols: Internal review initiated by the school district.

Community Impact and Support

The Pella school bus accident has profoundly impacted the Pella community. Residents have expressed shock and concern for the injured individuals and their families. A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover medical expenses and other related costs for the families involved. Local businesses and community groups have offered their support, and volunteers are organizing a blood drive at the Pella Community Center to help meet the increased demand following the accident. The incident has underscored the importance of school bus safety and the vulnerability of children while traveling to and from school.

• Examples of community support efforts: GoFundMe page established, blood drive organized, support from local businesses and community groups.
• Links to fundraising pages: [Insert link if available]
• Quotes from community members: [Insert quotes if available]

Conclusion

The Pella school bus accident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with school transportation. While the investigation is ongoing to determine the precise cause of this Pella school bus accident, the incident has already highlighted the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the safety of our children. The swift response of emergency services and the outpouring of community support are commendable, but preventing such accidents in the future remains paramount. For more updates on this Pella school bus accident, continue to monitor our news feed and the Pella Community School District website.