A school bus accident on Interstate 35 near Exit 72 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, caused major disruptions on Wednesday afternoon, April 2. The incident, involving a bus and a car, resulted in the bus flipping over multiple times and ejecting the driver onto the ground. At least one person was airlifted from the scene, though it remains unclear whether it was the bus driver or someone from the car.
Pauls Valley Public Schools quickly addressed concerns after the crash, clarifying in a social media post that the bus was not affiliated with their district. “We have been contacted concerning the bus accident this afternoon on I-35. This was NOT a Pauls Valley bus. This was a new bus picked up in Texas and being transported north to another state. This vehicle was in no way connected to Pauls Valley Schools. We appreciate the communication and hard work of our first responders during this event,” the statement read.
The lack of a school name on the side of the bus indicated that it was likely being transported for general use, auction, or contracted services, rather than being assigned to a specific school district.
Authorities confirmed that there were no children aboard the bus at the time of the accident. The driver sustained injuries, but further details regarding their condition and the occupants of the car involved remain undisclosed.
Emergency responders were quick to arrive at the scene, ensuring medical assistance and traffic control. The accident caused temporary lane closures on I-35 as crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the cause of the crash.
More updates are expected as officials continue their investigation.