We’re learning more about the crash on State Route 347 involving a Stanfield Elementary School District bus yesterday.
State troopers who responded to the pileup crash at 4:43 p.m., an hour and a half after school let out for the afternoon, deemed the bus driver at fault in the collision.
“The driver of the northbound school bus made a left-hand turn onto Louis Johnson Drive, failing to yield to two southbound vehicles and was subsequently struck by both vehicles,” Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bart Graves told InMaricopa today.
“There were approximately 30 students on the bus, five of which were transported to local hospitals for minor injuries,” said Graves.
The driver of one of the impacted vehicles was also transported with minor injuries, according to Graves. The bus driver was unhurt.
“Troopers are still working with the school district to determine the exact number of students on the bus as several students were picked up by their parents prior to trooper’s arrival,” he said.
InMaricopa contacted Stanfield Elementary School District Superintendent Jennifer Murrieta for comment this afternoon.
“I can’t share any additional information yet because it is still under investigation,” she said of the cause of the crash.
“We’ve been able to communicate with the families,” Murrieta added when asked about the condition of the children. “We’re thankful that there weren’t any more serious injuries than there were. We are working to support the families with what they need as far as counseling and support services.”
![A sign outside Stanfield Elementary School on Oct. 31, 2024. [Bryan Mordt]](https://inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/BCM_4113-scaled.jpg)
Murrieta said the school district is “still waiting for an official report” from DPS.
In a statement yesterday, the Pinal County School Superintendent’s Office said: “Our hearts are with all the students, families and staff affected by this evening’s accident. Wishing a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured. Thank you to the first responders and medical teams for their quick action and care. We’re keeping everyone involved in our thoughts and prayers.”
David Iversen and Elias Weiss contributed.
