By Crash News Writer 
Manhattan, IL (January 17, 2026) – A head-on collision involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle Thursday morning tragically left one driver dead in Manhattan, Illinois.
According to the Illinois State Police, the crash occurred around 8:32 a.m. on January 15 along Manhattan-Monee Road between School House Road and Scheer Road. A school bus carrying ten students from Manhattan School District was traveling east when it collided head-on with a passenger vehicle. The driver of the passenger car was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders transported all ten students and the bus driver to local hospitals for precautionary evaluations. Most were taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Medical staff conducted thorough exams to rule out internal injuries or signs of concussion. Fortunately, none of the students or the driver sustained serious harm and were released to their families by 1 p.m.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This update is based on information provided by local officials and is subject to revisions. For additional help, please review our frequently asked questions in Illinois .
- Authorities have not yet released the name of the deceased driver, pending notification of family.
- Investigators are examining all contributing factors, and further updates will be provided once available.
- Emergency services cleared the scene and traffic was reopened later in the day.
Support for those affected by serious accidents can be found through accident resources in Illinois , which include trauma services and family assistance.
This article is meant for general information purposes and is based on available public reports. For legal or medical decisions, consult a professional. Read our full disclaimer.
If you or someone you love has been affected by this tragedy, contact a qualified Illinois personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.