Southwest Allen County School Bus Involved in Crash 11000 Block of Ernst Road

On January 13, 2026, at approximately 3:57 p.m., officers with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department responded to the 11000 block of Ernst Road regarding reports of a school bus in a ditch.

While officers were en route, dispatch advised that witnesses reported the bus had students on board, had struck a utility pole, and that power lines were on top of the bus. Dispatch contacted Heartland REMC, which responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers located a Southwest Allen County school bus involved in the crash. Officers confirmed that the occupants were not injured and instructed passengers to remain on the bus until Heartland REMC could determine whether the lines posed a danger.

Heartland REMC arrived on scene and determined the lines were not hazardous. The occupants were then safely assisted off the bus, where Southwest Allen County Schools staff were present and provided care and supervision for the students.

Preliminary investigation indicates the bus was traveling westbound on Ernst Road when an unknown passenger vehicle traveling eastbound reportedly veered toward the bus. The bus driver swerved to avoid the vehicle, causing the bus to leave the roadway and strike a utility pole before coming to rest in a small drainage ditch. No injuries were reported by any occupants.

The incident remains under investigation by the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.

Sergeant Ken Litzenberg
Public Information Officer
Allen County Sheriff’s Department