Emergency crews responded to a serious bus accident today in Calhoun County that has left at least a dozen people injured and temporarily closed Iowa Highway 4 in both directions, officials confirmed. The crash involved a charter bus transporting students and staff from Iowa Lakes Community College when it collided with another vehicle near a rural stretch of the highway in the morning hours, prompting a swift multi‑agency response.
According to law enforcement and first responders at the scene, the bus was carrying approximately 30 passengers at the time of the accident. Multiple ambulances, fire rescue units, and law enforcement officers were dispatched to assist with the injured, secure the scene, and manage traffic as highway crews worked to clear debris and reopen the roadway. Victims with serious injuries were treated on‑site and transported to nearby hospitals for further care, while others with minor injuries received medical attention before being released. Authorities say the number of injured may change as more detailed assessments are completed.
Officials temporarily closed Iowa Highway 4 in both directions to allow emergency personnel to work safely. Drivers were advised to find alternate routes as crews conducted investigations and cleared the crash site. Troopers from the Iowa State Patrol and local sheriff’s deputies are actively investigating the circumstances that led to the collision, including statements from witnesses, vehicle inspections, and the review of road conditions at the time of the crash.
The community is rallying around those affected, offering support to injured passengers and their families. Counseling services and campus resources are being made available to students and staff shaken by the incident. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in determining the cause of this serious accident.