Dent (trfnews.i234.me) — The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office has released more details
after a school bus rolled into a ditch near Dent on Tuesday afternoon.
Bus Rolls On Snowy 380th Street
Just before 1:40 p.m. on December 9, dispatch received a report of a school bus crash on 380th Street in Dent.
Responders were told the bus had slid off the road and rolled into a ditch. The weather in the area included falling snow and reduced visibility.
When deputies and other responders arrived, they found the bus on its side in a steep ditch. The front of the bus faced back toward the roadway.
Officials say only the driver and one juvenile were on board at the time of the rollover. No other students were riding the route.
Both the driver and the student were checked at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office reports no injuries.
Deputies Cite Snow And Poor Visibility
The Sheriff’s Office says the crash was tied to winter road conditions. Investigators believe the bus left the roadway because of limited visibility and snow-covered pavement.
The steep slope of the ditch then caused the bus to roll onto its side. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Crews remained on scene while a tow company worked to upright and remove the bus. The road stayed open, but drivers were urged to pass the area slowly.
School officials have not released the name of the driver or the student. The district is expected to review the incident and safety procedures.
Officials Stress School Bus And Winter Road Safety
Authorities say the crash is a reminder that winter travel can be dangerous even for large vehicles like buses.
They urge all drivers to slow down on snow-covered roads and to leave extra space for stopping. Extra caution is needed on rural routes where ditches are steep.
Parents can review school bus safety tips with children. Federal guidance is posted by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Winter driving advice and emergency kit lists are available from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Current road conditions and crash reports across Minnesota can be checked on the Minnesota 511 website.
Officials say they are thankful this rollover did not cause injuries and hope drivers use extra care as winter continues.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
