The Wasatch Academy community and surrounding areas are mourning a devastating accident that occurred Friday night in Ephraim, Utah, involving a pickup truck and two school buses.
The crash, which happened around 8:30 p.m. on U.S. Route 8 near milepost 268, left 17 students hospitalized, two in critical condition, and claimed the life of the pickup truck driver.
Families, faculty, and local authorities are grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, and the community has rallied together in support. According to Utah State Troopers, a 43-year-old man driving a pickup truck southbound crossed left of center, striking two northbound school buses.
The first bus, carrying 19 students, was grazed by the truck, and fortunately, none of the students sustained injuries. The second bus, however, was struck head-on, carrying 17 students and a driver.
All 18 passengers on that bus were transported to a nearby hospital with varying injuries, and two were airlifted by helicopter in critical condition. The driver of the pickup truck tragically died at the scene. Investigators suspect fatigued driving as a possible cause, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Wasatch Academy officials provided updates to parents and the broader community early Saturday morning. A parent shared an email from the school sent at 3 a.m., stating that both buses were driven by faculty members.
The message confirmed that 19 students and one faculty member were transported to hospitals, and as of that update, two students and one faculty member remained hospitalized, while the remaining students returned to campus with minor injuries.
The school also announced that finals for the week would be postponed, and other activities rescheduled to allow the community time to process the traumatic event. Families and faculty were asked to pray for those hospitalized and those mourning the loss of loved ones.
The outpouring of support from local communities has been immediate. Mt. Pleasant City, in a message shared on Facebook, expressed solidarity with Wasatch Academy and all affected.
“Mt. Pleasant City extends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the students, faculty, and families of our Wasatch Academy family following last night’s car accident,” the message read.
“Our community stands with you and all involved.” Messages of concern and support have continued to circulate across social media, reflecting the strong network of care surrounding the students and faculty during this difficult time.
For many students and faculty, the accident has been a traumatic experience, underscoring the fragility of life and the importance of community support during crises.
The Wasatch Academy administration and local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, provide care to the injured, and coordinate with families for updates on recovery.
