School bus involved in multi-vehicle crash on Highway 32 in Ste. Genevieve County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

STE. GENEVIEVE COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus, a semitrailer and two passenger vehicles Friday morning on Highway 32 in Ste. Genevieve County.

The crash was reported around 8 a.m. in front of the Dairy Queen along Highway 32. Authorities said the school bus sustained heavy damage and left the roadway, coming to rest in a nearby field. A tractor-trailer was also involved in the collision.

MSHP confirmed one person was killed in the crash, though officials have not yet said which vehicle the fatality occurred in.

Earlier information from Ste. Genevieve R-II School District officials indicated at least two students were on the bus and were not seriously hurt. One adult passenger and the bus driver were also on board. The bus driver was reported injured, though the extent of injuries to the adult passenger has not been confirmed.

Multiple ambulances responded to the scene, though additional units were later canceled as the response stabilized.

Highway 32 was closed in both directions between Progress Parkway and Interstate 55 as troopers conducted the investigation. Traffic was diverted to Highway 55.

Following the crash, Ste. Genevieve R-II School District announced an early dismissal at noon Friday. In a message to families, Superintendent Dr. Paul Taylor said Bloomsdale Elementary School suffered an “unexpected, tragic loss of a staff member” earlier in the day.

“This loss is incredibly hard to process for so many, especially right before winter break,” Taylor said.

The district said counseling services would be available Friday and Monday morning for students and staff in need of support. Families unable to pick up students at noon were told schools would accommodate students through the end of the day if necessary.