Natchitoches, LA (3/13/2023) – Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reported a two-vehicle crash on LA Hwy 478. A bus driver and 36 students were onboard the school bus.
On Monday afternoon, March 13, 2023, at approximately 3:25 pm, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash involving a school bus on La Hwy 478 west of Interstate-49 south of Natchitoches.
Deputies arrived on the scene within minutes finding the sole occupant of a Mazda Tribute Compact SUV trapped in the wreckage suffering from injuries.
Air EVAC medical chopper was dispatched to the scene. A landing zone was set up near I-49 and La Hwy 478.
Deputies determined at least 36 students and the bus operator were onboard the bus. The bus driver and students were assessed at the scene by EMS and released without transport.
According to LSP, a 2009 Mazda Tribute operated by a 48-year-old Flora man was traveling westbound on La Hwy 478 west of Interstate-49 when, for reasons still under investigation, drifted across the center-line striking almost head-on an eastbound 2019 Blue Bird School Bus. This action caused the school bus to leave the road on the left side and travel through a ditch, striking a couple of trees before coming to a rest.
Motorists stopped to assist the students.
It took rescue personnel over 20 minutes to extricate and free the Flora man from the wreckage. The driver was transported from the scene by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS to the nearby landing zone, then airlifted by Life Air EVAC to a Regional Trauma Center with what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
The name is currently being withheld pending an update on the injury status.
Deputies remind motorists to always buckle up, wear their seat belts, don’t speed, and never drive distracted or under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.
All additional information will be released by Louisiana State Police, Troop-E Alexandria.
