Henderson, NY (November 12, 2026) – State Police are investigating a fatal crash between an SUV and a school bus on County Route 75.
Troop D reported that it happened at about 2:56 p.m. on November 12 in the town of Henderson, Jefferson County. A preliminary investigation found the SUV was traveling north at high speed. It collided with the southbound Belleville-Henderson Central School District bus.
The SUV driver died. The male bus driver was taken to Samaritan Medical Center with serious injuries, State Police said.
Sixteen students were on the bus. Four went to Samaritan Medical Center with minor injuries, and a parent took one to Carthage Area Hospital with minor injuries. The other 11 students were taken to the Smithville Fire Station for pickup by a parent or guardian.
The investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.
What Families Should Do After a School Bus Crash in New York
From 2015 to 2024, NHTSA recorded an average of 107 deaths each year in school-transportation-related crashes. A wrongful death claim for a person who died must begin within two years, by November 12, 2028 (EPTL § 5-4.1).
State Police have not announced a cause, so no one should assume who is responsible. Parents of the students and the injured bus driver can use this checklist, starting with the first item:
- Get every child checked. Children may not mention pain right away. A doctor visit, plus a log of headaches, sleep changes, or worry about riding the bus, can matter later.
- Ask for the records. Request the crash report from State Police Troop D, and ask the district to preserve any bus video and incident records.
- Handle insurers carefully. No-fault benefits may be available, and the insurer must receive written notice by December 12, 2026, which is 30 days out. Parents should get advice before giving a recorded statement about a child.
- Keep a paper trail. Save medical bills, school absence notes, and photos of injuries. The injured driver should also record missed work, since lost pay is part of a claim.
- Mark the dates. Any claim against the school district requires written notice by February 10, 2027, the 90-day mark under Gen. Mun. Law § 50-e. An adult’s injury suit must start by November 12, 2029 (CPLR § 214), and a child’s own claim can follow different timing.
Why Jefferson County Families Choose Stanley Law Following a School Bus Crash
When your child has been on a school bus in a crash, the questions come quickly. How is your child doing, who pays for care, and what does the district owe?
Our car crash attorneys across Upstate New York answer them one at a time, in plain language. We deal with the insurers and the district so you can stay close to your child.
A child’s well-being comes before the paperwork. If an insurer will not treat the family fairly, we build the claim to hold up in a courtroom.
Jefferson County parents who contact Stanley Law Offices about a school bus crash can count on this:
- Serving Upstate New York families for 45+ years
- Joe Stanley, Board Certified in Civil Trial Practice by the American Board of Trial Advocacy
- Super Lawyers recognition for 18+ consecutive years
- 4.7-star rating across 900+ verified reviews
- Offices in Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester, Watertown, Oneonta, and Montrose, PA
- Available 24/7
- No recovery, no fee
Our Watertown office, at 200 Washington St, Watertown, NY 13601, is the closest to Henderson. Our team is at 888-997-3889, and our contact page is open for a written message if you prefer.
