I-29, northbound between Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, September 2, 2025
News Summary
A church school bus carrying around 30 students from Olivet Baptist Church in Kansas lost control on I-29, injuring nine passengers, including two seriously. The bus, en route to sporting events, overturned after a tire failure caused it to skid off the road. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured students to local hospitals, with all injuries reported as non-life-threatening. This incident highlights the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety protocols for student transport during extracurricular activities.
Church School Bus Crash on I-29 Injures Nine, Including Two Seriously
A church school bus crash occurred on Friday afternoon on northbound Interstate 29, between Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri. The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that the incident took place around 3:35 p.m. involving a bus from Olivet Baptist Church in Westwood, Kansas, which was transporting approximately 30 students from Shawnee Mission Christian School to soccer and volleyball matches in St. Joseph.
According to the crash report, nine individuals sustained injuries in the accident. Among the injured, eight were teenagers—five females and three males. A 44-year-old woman on the bus suffered moderate injuries, while two teenagers, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, sustained serious injuries. The bus driver, aged 61, was reported to be uninjured, while six other individuals on the bus experienced minor injuries.
Emergency responders transported five of the injured to North Kansas City Hospital and three to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Officials confirmed that all injuries were non-life-threatening.
The accident was not caused by any other vehicles but was reportedly linked to a tire failure. A front passenger wheel and a rear tire blew out, causing the bus to lose control, skid off the road, strike a ditch, and overturn. Video footage from the scene depicted the bus flipped on its side, with the front door open and students present along the highway.
As a result of the crash, Interstate 29 was closed for several hours but was reopened by 7:00 p.m. Emergency response teams, including the Northland Regional Ambulance, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and local fire departments, worked together at the crash site. A Nixle Alert was issued, advising drivers to avoid the affected area during the incident.
Rescue operations included moving the students to a safe location until their parents could arrive. An area fire department generously offered its facility for the students, with nearby businesses providing complimentary refreshments to those waiting.
Background Context
This incident raises concerns about the safety of student transportation during extracurricular activities. School buses are generally considered one of the safest vehicles for young passengers due to their design and safety features. In this case, the malfunction of the tires led to a distressing situation for students and their families. Further investigations may focus on examining the maintenance records and safety protocols followed by the church and school regarding the bus’s operational standards and inspections.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Bus crash |
| Date and Time | Friday, around 3:35 p.m. |
| Location | I-29, northbound between Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri |
| Involved Parties | Olivet Baptist Church, Shawnee Mission Christian School |
| Number of Passengers | Approximately 30 students |
| Total Injuries | 9 (2 serious) |
| Cause of Accident | Tire failure |
| Response Teams | Northland Regional Ambulance, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, local fire departments |
| Time to Clear Road | Closed for several hours, reopened by 7:00 p.m. |
FAQs
What caused the church school bus crash?
The crash was attributed to tire failure, with both a front passenger wheel and a rear tire blowing out.
How many individuals were injured in the crash?
A total of nine individuals were injured, including eight teenagers and a 44-year-old woman.
Where were the injured passengers taken for treatment?
Five injured individuals were transported to North Kansas City Hospital, while three were taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.
Were there any fatalities reported?
No fatalities were reported; all injured individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
How did emergency teams respond to the incident?
Emergency teams from various agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local fire departments, responded to the crash scene, assisting with rescue efforts and traffic management.
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Additional Resources
- KMBC: Church Bus Overturns on I-29
- KCTV5: Eight Metro Students Injured in Bus Crash
- Kansas City Star: News Article
- News Press Now: Buchanan County Law Enforcement Responds to Bus Accident
- Google Search: Student Transportation Safety
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
