Tragic Bus Crash in Bastrop County Claims Life of 5-Year-Old Student

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Hays CISD school bus accident
2. 5-year-old boy killed in school bus crash

Hays Consolidated Independent School District has identified 5-year-old Ulises Rodriguez Montoya as the student killed in a bus crash in Bastrop County, Texas. The tragic incident occurred when a cement truck collided with the bus carrying 44 students returning from a field trip. Montoya was described as a joyful child with a talent for drawing dinosaurs. His family appreciates the community’s support and requests privacy during this difficult time. The memorial service and funeral arrangements are pending. The crash also claimed the life of 33-year-old Ryan Wallace, who collided with the bus in his Dodge Charger. Several others sustained injuries, highlighting the importance of seatbelts in school buses.

Tragic Bus Crash Claims Life of 5-Year-Old Student in Bastrop County, Texas

The Hays Consolidated Independent School District is mourning the loss of a young student after a devastating bus crash in Bastrop County, Texas. Ulises Rodriguez Montoya, a 5-year-old student at Tom Green Elementary in Buda, was tragically killed in the accident that took place on Friday afternoon.

According to reports, the bus carrying Ulises and 43 other students rolled over in western Bastrop County at around 2 p.m. The students were returning from a field trip to the Bastrop Zoo when a cement truck veered into the bus, causing the tragic incident. In addition to the students, there were also 11 adults on board at the time of the crash.

Ulises was described as a bright and joyful child by his pre-K bilingual teacher, Naira (Dina) Solís Shears. She shared that he had a talent for drawing, with dinosaurs being his favorite subject. His family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community and is asking for privacy during this difficult time. Plans for a memorial service and funeral for Ulises are currently pending.

Tragic Loss of Life

In addition to Ulises, another fatality was reported in connection with the bus crash. Ryan Wallace, a 33-year-old man from Bastrop, was driving a Dodge Charger behind the bus when his vehicle collided with the back of the bus, resulting in his death.

Emergency response teams were quick to the scene, with four critically injured individuals airlifted from the crash site. Six others with potentially serious injuries were transported by ambulance, while approximately 10 patients with minor injuries were taken to a children’s hospital. The total number of injuries, including the bus driver, was reported to be 51 by Superintendent Eric Wright.

Safety Concerns

Following the tragic incident, questions have been raised about safety measures on school buses. It was revealed that the bus involved in the crash did not have seatbelts due to being a 2011 model. However, newer buses in the Hays school district have been equipped with seatbelts since 2017, in line with updated safety regulations.

Superintendent Wright expressed deep sorrow over the events, calling it a “horrible and tragic day” for the school district. The community has come together to offer support to the families affected by the crash, as they navigate this difficult time of loss and recovery.

As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, authorities are working to ensure that such tragic incidents are prevented in the future. The safety and well-being of students remain a top priority for school districts and communities across the country.