By Crash News Writer 
Lowndes County, MS (September 18, 2026) – Sixteen students and two adults were injured in a collision involving a Lowndes County School District bus Tuesday afternoon. The accident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on September 15 along Highway 45.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a 2025 Honda Civic driven by 27-year-old Michael Kunkle of Columbus was traveling east on Artesia Road when it collided with a school bus driven by 44-year-old Damon Snead Jr. of Columbus, who was traveling north on Highway 45.
Investigators said the school bus was carrying 22 students at the time of the collision. Sixteen children between the ages of 6 and 11 sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe. One student was airlifted directly from the scene to a hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, while two additional students were later flown from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus to Children’s of Mississippi in Jackson for further evaluation. Both drivers were transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus for treatment.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident Today
School bus accidents can result in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens for victims and their families. When children are involved, preserving evidence becomes especially important while investigators determine exactly how the collision occurred. Medical records, photographs, witness statements, school transportation records, and insurance documentation may all become valuable during the claims process. Understanding car accident laws in Mississippi can help families better understand their legal rights and available options.
Someone searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Lowndes County should ensure that everyone involved receives appropriate medical evaluation, even if injuries initially appear minor. Maintaining records of treatment, expenses, and communications with insurance companies can be beneficial. Obtaining a car accident report may also provide important documentation gathered during the investigation.
Collisions involving school buses often require extensive investigations involving multiple agencies and insurance carriers. Families searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Lowndes County should consider consulting an attorney before accepting any insurance settlement. Legal counsel can review available evidence, explain insurance issues, evaluate damages, and examine the car accident report to help protect legal rights.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information released by investigating authorities and may be updated as additional facts become available. Readers seeking more information about injury claims can review frequently asked questions in Mississippi .
Authorities reported that 16 students and two adults were injured in the crash. Additional information regarding the investigation or the conditions of those injured may become available as the Mississippi Highway Patrol continues its review.
Victims and families seeking additional guidance after a serious collision can review accident resources in Mississippi . Road conditions and traffic updates related to the crash should be confirmed through local authorities.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.
If your family was affected by a school bus accident, contact an attorney as soon as possible. A Mississippi personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances of the collision and explain your legal options.