AUSTIN, Texas — Seven people, including five students, were treated after a crash involving two McCallum High School buses Thursday night, according to Austin ISD.
In a letter sent to the community Friday morning, McCallum Principal Andy Baxa said two band buses were on their way back from the Taco Shack Bowl game at House Park when they were hit by a sedan that appeared to have swerved out of its lane.
Austin Fire Department (AFD) crews arrived around 11:30 p.m. to the 2900 block of North Lamar Boulevard after reports of a person trapped inside a vehicle. AFD said the driver crashed into the band bus, and crews had to removed the door of the sedan to rescue them.
Baxa said all students and drivers in the buses were evaluated, and five students and one bus driver were treated on site. No students or staff required transport by Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS), but the driver of the sedan sustained more significant injuries. ATCEMS took that driver to Dell Seton Medical Center.
“We are relieved that the incident happened near the stadium and several of our staff and emergency responders were able to respond quickly,” Baxa said.
He said two additional busses were sent to return the band students to McCallum, and the school’s administration communicated directly with the families involved.
KVUE spoke with one parent Friday morning who said this was the McCallum Band’s first big football game performance. While the crash was scary, she said she’s glad no students were seriously hurt – but it did make for a late night.
“Most of the time, the band kids are here as early as 6:30 in the morning. They’re really dedicated students,” Sara Ronder said. “And so, most of us didn’t get home until 1 in the morning last night. And so, just to give them a base – a good chance to rest before school – we got here as soon as we could, closest to the bell.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. It’s not clear at this time if the driver of the sedan could face charges, but KVUE has reached out to the Austin Police Department for more information.