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