Onamia Bus Driver’s Quick Thinking Saves Lives in Near-Head-On Crash
Mille Lacs County, MN – School Bus Driver Prevents Tragedy
A school bus driver in Onamia, MN, is being hailed as a hero after avoiding a head-on crash with a semi-truck early Wednesday morning on U.S. Highway 169.
Incident Details
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 2025 – 7:15 AM
Location: Highway 169, north of Shakopee Lake Road, Mille Lacs County
Driver: Brian Lathrop (Onamia School Bus Driver)
What Happened?
A northbound semi-truck crossed into the southbound lane, directly toward the school bus.
Bus driver Brian Lathrop made a split-second maneuver, preventing a head-on collision.
The semi sideswiped the rear passenger side of the bus instead.
Two students sustained minor injuries and were checked by medical personnel.
There were four students and four staff members on board at the time.
Sheriff’s Praise & Investigation
Mille Lacs County Sheriff Kyle Burton said Lathrop’s quick reaction “undoubtedly saved many lives.”
Minnesota State Patrol & Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.
This near-tragedy highlights the importance of school bus driver training and road safety.
For updates, contact the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRFNews