Cleveland ISD cites 'ongoing investigation' in questions regarding school bus crashes

CLEVELAND, Texas (KTRK) -- Eyewitness News is still pressing the Cleveland Independent School District, as we learn there were three crashes involving school buses this week alone in their area.

The incidents occurred on Monday morning and Wednesday morning, both on FM 1010.

On Wednesday morning, the district confirmed 58 children were on board a bus when it rolled over on FM 1010. SkyEye13 saw dramatic images of children looking for help. Both crashes resulted in children being taken to hospitals.

Following repeated questions, the district is now confirming a minor school bus crash on Church and Watson also happened on Wednesday morning.

All with children on board.

CISD released the following statement regarding the third reported crash:

"In accordance with Cleveland ISD policy, any instance in which a school bus makes contact with an object is formally classified as an accident. In such cases, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and parents or guardians are notified immediately, a police report is filed, and an internal review is initiated.

Regarding the August 13 incident involving eight students and no reported injuries, the bus made minimal contact with a vehicle and was able to proceed on its route. The impact was so slight that it was not perceived by either the passengers or the driver at the time. Nevertheless, this event met the criteria for an accident under our established protocols. EMS was contacted, students were assessed at the scene, parents were informed, and a police report was completed."

After ABC13's repeated questions, district officials are now confirming the buses involved in the crash did have seatbelts.

Cleveland ISD also now confirms the bus with 58 kids that rolled over on Wednesday was headed to Southside Elementary.

The school district continues to cite its ongoing investigation, and parents told ABC13 they don't understand how this could happen.

On Wednesday, Eyewitness News spoke with a woman who said her sister was on the bus yesterday morning, headed to Southside Elementary, when it rolled over. She said her sister helped a kindergarten student to safety who was stuck dangling with her seat belt on.

On the same note, other parents have shared about a heroic little boy who kicked open the emergency door and tried to help the other kids out with the help of bystanders.

As we hear about the heroism, we also hear the frustration and concern in these parents' voices and messages - as they ask for accountability and information.

The district cites its ongoing investigation when asked about the bus drivers in these crashes, what led up to these crashes, and if the district plans to reconsider these bus routes.

Parents confirmed to ABC13 that some of them are gathering and aim to have a civil discussion with the district about this at some point next week.

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