Lincoln Man Charged After Head-On Crash with School Bus Injures Driver
Lincoln, NE – A serious head-on collision involving a school bus has left one driver injured and another facing criminal charges. Authorities in Lancaster County say a Lincoln man has been formally charged after his vehicle collided with a school bus in a harrowing crash that could have ended far worse.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. on Thursday morning near the intersection of 56th Street and Saltillo Road, a busy stretch frequently used by both commuters and school traffic. According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, the school bus was traveling eastbound, carrying several students to a local middle school, when a westbound pickup truck suddenly veered across the centerline and struck the bus head-on.
One Injured, Many Shaken
While no children on the school bus sustained serious injuries, the driver of the bus, a 52-year-old woman with more than a decade of experience behind the wheel, was taken to Bryan Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency crews arrived at the scene within minutes of a 911 call placed by a passing motorist who witnessed the crash.
“The impact was loud—you could hear the crunch from a block away,” said resident Emily Foster, who lives near the crash site. “I saw kids getting off the bus, crying, hugging each other. It was heartbreaking but also a relief that they were walking and not seriously hurt.”
Paramedics evaluated all the students at the scene. Some were treated for minor bruises and shock. All students were released to their parents or guardians later that morning.
Suspect Identified and Charged
The driver of the pickup truck was identified as 34-year-old Tyler James Morrison of Lincoln. According to deputies, Morrison appeared disoriented when pulled from the wreckage of his vehicle. He was treated at the scene for minor injuries and later taken into custody after failing a field sobriety test.
Further investigation revealed that Morrison was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Blood tests conducted at the hospital indicated a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.17—more than twice the legal limit in Nebraska.
Morrison has been charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and vehicular assault. He remains in custody at the Lancaster County Jail on a $50,000 bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
School District Responds
The Lincoln Public Schools district responded swiftly to the incident, issuing a statement within hours of the crash.
“We are grateful that no students were seriously injured in this morning’s accident,” the statement read. “We are working closely with law enforcement and offering counseling services to any student or staff member affected. The safety of our students remains our highest priority.”
Parents of students on the bus were notified directly by school officials and were given the option to pick up their children or allow them to be transported by an alternate bus.
“I was terrified when I got the call,” said Angela Ramirez, whose 13-year-old son was on board. “But the school handled it well. They reassured us and kept us informed. I’m just so thankful he’s okay.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Several drivers who were in the vicinity at the time of the accident have come forward to provide statements to law enforcement. One motorist, who asked not to be named, told reporters she noticed the pickup truck drifting into the opposite lane moments before the crash.
“It was like he wasn’t even trying to turn back,” she said. “I thought maybe he fell asleep or passed out at the wheel. The bus driver didn’t have time to react.”
Another witness described the aftermath as chaotic. “The kids were climbing out the emergency exit. Some were crying, others were just in shock. A couple of us stopped to help before the first responders arrived.”
A Troubling Record
Court records show that this is not Morrison’s first brush with the law. He has previous convictions for driving under the influence, the most recent being in 2020. At that time, he was ordered to attend alcohol counseling and had his license suspended for six months.
Now, with a repeat offense involving a school bus full of children, prosecutors say they intend to pursue the maximum penalties available under the law.
“This is not just another DUI,” said County Attorney Heather Hopkins. “This is a serious crime that endangered the lives of innocent children. We will be seeking enhanced sentencing given the circumstances.”
Community Reaction
The crash has reignited concerns in the community about impaired driving and school transportation safety. On social media, parents and community members expressed outrage over the preventable nature of the incident.
“I’m furious,” wrote one commenter. “This man should never have been on the road. We need stricter laws and enforcement for repeat offenders.”
Others expressed gratitude that the situation wasn’t worse. “Thank God for the bus driver. She took the brunt of the crash and protected those kids. She’s a hero,” another user posted.
A candlelight vigil is being planned by local parents and community leaders for Friday evening to honor the injured driver and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
What Happens Next
As Morrison prepares for his court appearance, investigators continue to gather evidence, including surveillance footage from nearby homes and traffic cameras. The bus involved is also being examined for mechanical issues, though officials have stated there is no indication of malfunction.
Meanwhile, the injured driver remains hospitalized but is expected to make a full recovery. She is being praised for her quick thinking and calm under pressure.
“Her actions likely prevented a much worse outcome,” said Sheriff Terry Wagner. “She remained in control of the vehicle despite the impact, which kept it from rolling or hitting other cars.”
Lincoln Public Schools has stated that the driver will be fully supported during her recovery, and that they are reviewing their emergency protocols in light of the incident.
Conclusion
The head-on collision serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving and the importance of vigilance on the roads—especially when children are involved. While the community breathes a sigh of relief that lives were not lost, there is a renewed call for accountability, safety reforms, and support for those affected by this alarming event.