CRASH INVOLVING SCHOOL BUS, CHILDREN NOT INJURED

Deschutes Co. Sheriff's Office

On May 18, 2023, at approximately 8:30 am, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash on SE 27th Street, north of Rickard Road. Initial reports indicated a Toyota XA sport utility vehicle had collided head on with a Bend-La Pine School District bus.

Deschutes County 911 Dispatch was advised the bus was occupied with children, however they appeared to be un-injured. The driver of the Toyota XA, later identified as Richard Rathmell Jr., was attended to and evaluated by Bend Fire/Medics on scene. Rathmell Jr. was ultimately transported to St. Charles Bend for treatment.

The Bend-La Pine School District was contacted and arrangements to have the children picked up by a secondary bus was established. The children on the bus at the time of the crash were evaluated by a school nurse once they arrived at their school.

SE 27th Street was closed for a short time to conduct the investigation, evaluate and transport patients, and remove the damaged vehicles.

At this time the investigation is on-going, and more details will be released once they become available.


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