Rapides Parish, LA : 11 children, driver injured in school bus crash on La. Highway 121 in Rapides Parish on Wednesday morning, February 25, 2015

Early this morning, a single vehicle crash involving a school bus injured eleven children and the driver. A large amount of mud was on the road, which is considered a factor in the crash, according to state police.

Troopers responded to the crash around 6:15 a.m., which occurred on LA Hwy 121 south of LA Hwy 496 in Rapides Parish. The crash involved a 2001 International school bus, driven by Jake D. Lawson, of Boyce. The school bus was northbound on LA Hwy 121 when Lawson encountered the large amount of mud on the roadway. He then allegedly lost control and exited the left side of the roadway before the school bus overturned on its side.

All eleven children and Lawson received minor to moderate injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The children ranged in age from five to fifteen.

DOTD and the Cotile Fire Department assisted in the removal of the mud from the roadway. Portions of Central and North Louisiana are still experiencing hazardous driving conditions from the current weather.

The crash remains under investigation.

Source :
12 injured in Rapides Parish school bus crash

Rapides Parish, LA : 11 children, driver injured in school bus crash on La. Highway 121 in Rapides Parish on Wednesday morning, February 25, 2015