HEYBURN, Idaho — Idaho State Police troopers are investigating a hit-and-run crash on an eastern Idaho interstate that sent a school bus careening into a concrete barrier Thursday night, leaving the bus with significant damage and temporarily blocking traffic on Interstate 84.
The crash occurred around 8:23 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, on eastbound Interstate 84 near milepost 208 in the Heyburn area. According to a news release from the Idaho State Police, troopers responded to reports of a school bus that had struck a concrete barrier and was blocking the left lane of the highway.
Students Evacuated, Standing on Roadway When Troopers Arrived
When emergency responders arrived on scene, witnesses reported that bus passengers — including students — had already exited the vehicle and were standing on the roadway, creating a dangerous situation along the busy interstate corridor. Authorities worked quickly to secure the area and move students to safety.
No serious passenger injuries were reported. All students aboard the bus were transported by ambulance to a nearby location where they were reunited with school officials and their parents. The bus driver reportedly sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Idaho State Police described the bus as having sustained “significant front and undercarriage damage after striking several jersey barriers,” indicating the force of the impact was substantial. Traffic in the area was temporarily diverted as emergency responders investigated the scene and worked to remove the disabled bus from the roadway.
Hit-and-Run Driver Identified and Cited
Investigators determined the crash involved a hit-and-run, meaning a second vehicle struck the bus and fled the scene before troopers arrived. Troopers later identified the second driver and issued a citation in connection with the incident. The identity of that driver was not released in the initial ISP news release.
Idaho State Police used the incident as an opportunity to remind all drivers of their legal obligations following any crash on Idaho roadways.
“ISP reminds all drivers to remain at the scene of a crash and report the incident as required by law. Leaving the scene increases risk to others and may result in criminal charges,” the agency stated in its news release.
Under Idaho law, drivers involved in a crash resulting in injury, death, or property damage are required to stop immediately, render aid if possible, and report the incident to law enforcement. Fleeing the scene of an accident — particularly one involving a vehicle carrying children — can result in felony-level criminal charges depending on the circumstances.
A Reminder of Highway Safety Risks
The incident underscores the dangers faced by school bus drivers and student passengers when other motorists fail to exercise caution or comply with the law. Interstate 84 serves as a major transportation corridor through southern Idaho, and commercial and passenger traffic remains heavy through the Heyburn area.
Public safety officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of reducing highway incidents involving school transportation. The presence of children standing on an active interstate lane following the crash highlighted the potentially catastrophic consequences that a hit-and-run incident near a loaded school bus can produce.
East Idaho has seen a number of highway incidents in recent months drawing the attention of emergency responders and law enforcement alike. Readers following public safety developments across the region can find additional coverage of local incidents and emergency response efforts at Idaho News for statewide updates, and at Idaho News Network for broader regional context.
What Comes Next
The Idaho State Police investigation into the hit-and-run crash remains active. Authorities have identified and cited the second driver involved, though additional charges could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation. The school district whose bus was involved has not yet been publicly identified, and it is not known whether any additional students required medical attention beyond the on-scene evaluation.
Troopers are expected to continue gathering witness statements and reviewing available evidence from the scene near milepost 208. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Idaho State Police.