By A school bus went off the road in Middlesex on a cold Wednesday morning. The crash took place on Route 12 near Bolduc Road. The area was covered with fresh snow, and the road had turned slick. Many drivers had trouble keeping control on turns and slopes. The bus driver also faced the same issue and lost control while moving along a bend in the road.
No children were on the bus when it crashed. This single fact kept the event from turning into a major disaster. Parents in the area felt relief when police said the bus had no students inside. School staff also took comfort in knowing that no young lives were at risk during the crash.
The driver was taken to a hospital by ambulance. Police said this was done to keep the driver safe and to check for any hidden injuries. Early reports said the driver was awake and able to speak to the first responders. This gave the team hope that the injuries were not severe. Still, they wanted doctors to take a closer look.
Police pointed to the weather as the main cause of the crash. Snow had been falling since early morning, and the cold air caused ice to form under the fresh snow. This made the surface very slippery. Even slow speeds were risky, and many cars struggled to stay on track. Officers warned drivers to use care, keep both hands on the wheel, and stay far from other cars.
Crews reached the site within minutes. They put out cones and signs to slow other cars. The road had to be closed so the crew could pull the bus back onto the road. The bus had slid deep into the ditch, so the team used strong cables and a large tow truck. This took time because they wanted to avoid more damage or more sliding.
Drivers who used Route 12 faced delays. Some cars turned around to find other roads. Others waited in their lanes until the crew finished its job. The line of cars grew as workers moved slowly but carefully. The aim was to clear the bus without risking more accidents.
The scene drew the attention of many locals who passed by later. People were shocked to see a full-size school bus lying partly on its side in a ditch. It made the danger of winter roads clear to everyone who saw it. Many said they planned to drive slower for the next few days.
This crash also led to new talks among school staff. Winter in Vermont often brings storms, and buses must travel long routes each day. Staff discussed ways to keep drivers safe. Some talked about giving more time for morning routes when roads are icy. Others said schools should delay openings on days with low visibility. No final plan was made, but the topic gained new urgency.
Parents spoke openly about their fear of winter travel for school buses. Many said they trust the drivers but worry about the roads. Some drivers have years of experience with snow, but even that cannot stop every risk. Snow, ice, and sudden cold snaps can turn safe routes into danger zones without warning.
Town workers also stepped in after the crash. They added more salt and sand to the road near the crash site. Sand helps with grip, and salt helps melt ice. This made the area safer for the afternoon and evening travel hours. Road crews planned to check the route again at night.
Police used this moment to remind everyone about winter safety. They asked drivers to check their tyres, brakes, and headlights. They urged people to slow down and leave more room between cars. Many crashes in winter happen because drivers follow too close or fail to slow in time. Officers said a short delay is better than ending up in a ditch.
Tow crews completed their work after some time, and the bus was taken to a yard for inspection. The front side had clear dents, and the wheels showed signs of sliding on ice. The bus will be checked to make sure no mechanical fault played a role. For now, weather remains the primary reason for what happened.
By late morning, the road reopened. Cars moved slowly at first, as many drivers stayed cautious after seeing the crash site. Snow kept falling, but sand and salt helped keep the road stable. Traffic returned to normal levels by noon.
The school district said they will review all bus routes over the next few days. They want to find which roads need more care from town crews. They also want to check if any changes can make travel safer during peak winter months. Some parents suggested installing cameras on buses to track road conditions in real time, though the district has not made a decision.
This crash did not cause major harm, but it served as a sharp warning. Winter roads can turn dangerous without notice. A small patch of ice can send even a large bus off the road. Many locals now say they will be more alert in the coming weeks.
The driver is expected to recover. The school thanked the first responders, the tow team, and the road crew for their fast action. They also thanked parents for staying calm while waiting for updates. Events like this can cause fear, but timely facts helped ease the stress.
Middlesex will face more storms in the months ahead. People know this, and they try to stay prepared. They check weather apps, stock winter tools, and keep their cars ready for ice and snow. Still, no one can avoid all risks, especially on dark winter mornings.
This bus crash left a mark on the town, even without major injury. It made clear how one moment on an icy road can change things fast. The hope is that the lesson learned will help keep more people safe as winter continues.
No children were harmed. The driver is safe. The road is open. The focus now is on staying ready for whatever the next storm brings.
