Update: Warren County School Bus Involved in Crash; Minor Injuries Reported

A Warren County school bus carrying 10 elementary school students was involved in a two-vehicle crash Monday morning, resulting in minor injuries to multiple individuals. The crash occurred at approximately 9:10 a.m. on Route 522, near the intersection with Chester Gap Road in Rappahannock County.

According to the Virginia State Police, the school bus was entering Route 522 from Chester Gap Road when it pulled into the path of a 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck. The pickup driver was unable to avoid the bus, resulting in the collision.

Injuries and Response

Of the 10 students on board, eight were transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries. Most of those students have since been released to their parents. The two remaining students were released to their families on-site.

The driver of the Ford F-150 also suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.

The school bus driver, identified as William Payne Jr., 66, of Front Royal, was also transported with minor injuries. Payne has been charged with failure to yield.

The Virginia State Police is continuing its investigation into the crash.

School Division Statement

Earlier in the day, Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) issued a statement confirming the incident and praising the fast response of emergency teams.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” WCPS stated.

Emergency protocols were immediately enacted. Local law enforcement, fire, and rescue units from both Warren and Rappahannock counties, as well as the Virginia State Police, responded quickly.

WCPS also thanked Rappahannock County Public Schools for stepping in to help. While waiting for WCPS transportation to arrive, the Rappahannock team provided students with a warm, safe space on one of their buses.

 A Message of Thanks

WCPS expressed deep appreciation to:

• Warren County Sheriff’s Office
• Rappahannock Sheriff’s Office
• Warren County Fire and Rescue
• Virginia State Police
• Rappahannock County Public Schools
• The emergency medical team at Warren Memorial Hospital

“We are grateful for the quick and compassionate response of everyone involved,” school officials said. “The care shown to our students, staff, and families means more than words can say.”

As of now, all injured individuals are recovering, and the school division has confirmed that parents of all students involved have been personally contacted.

Investigation Ongoing

The crash remains under investigation by the Virginia State Police, and no further details have been released regarding the exact cause or potential contributing factors beyond the failure to yield charge.