Portland Twp., MI – Four Students Injured After Bus Crash on I-96

Portland Twp., MI (March 30, 2025) - Early Saturday morning, a charter bus carrying students and adults veered off the highway and collided with a guardrail in Portland Township, Michigan. The crash occurred around 6:45 a.m. on March 29 along eastbound Interstate 96 near Kent Street in Ionia County.

According to Michigan State Police from the Lakeview Post, the bus was transporting 11 students and five adults at the time of the incident. The group was en route to Ohio for a college visit when the vehicle left the roadway and struck the guardrail. The force of the impact left several passengers injured.

Officials confirmed that four students were transported to nearby hospitals. Of those, three sustained injuries that required medical treatment, while one student suffered more serious injuries. The bus driver was not hurt in the crash.

Emergency responders arrived quickly to assist those on board and secure the scene. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the accident. No further information has been released at this time as the investigation continues.

We are keeping the injured students in our thoughts and hope for their swift recovery.

Bus Accidents in Michigan

While less common than car crashes, bus accidents can still cause significant harm. In Michigan, hundreds of crashes involving buses are reported each year. Whether due to mechanical issues, road conditions, or driver error, the consequences of a bus accident can be severe, particularly when large groups of passengers are involved.

In this case, let’s explore some common factors that contribute to bus accidents:

• Driver Fatigue: Long-distance routes and early departures can lead to fatigue, reducing reaction time and increasing the likelihood of driver error. Fatigue is a frequent concern in early morning or late-night travel.
• Mechanical Failures: Issues such as brake failure, steering malfunctions, or tire blowouts can cause a driver to lose control of a large vehicle like a bus. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent these hazards.
• Roadway Conditions: Poor weather, slippery roads, and narrow shoulders can be especially dangerous for buses, which require more space to maneuver and stop safely.
• Visibility Issues: Early morning darkness, fog, or glare can impair a driver’s visibility. Buses, due to their size, already have limited blind spots, making good visibility even more crucial.
• Distractions or Inattention: Even brief distractions behind the wheel—such as looking at a device or reaching for something—can cause a driver to veer off course. With so many passengers, a lapse in attention can have serious consequences.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a bus accident, it’s important to take action quickly. Reach out to our Portland Township personal injury attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates to learn how we can help. Time is critical in these cases, especially when dealing with insurance companies, transportation companies, or schools. Getting legal support early on helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and ensure you’re not left facing the aftermath alone.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we’re here to support families when the unexpected happens. With decades of experience representing accident victims throughout Michigan, we fight to make sure our clients are treated fairly. If you’re unsure about who is going to handle your personal injury claim, let us be your first call. We offer free consultations—just contact us at (248) 886-8650. Our team will take the time to understand your case, explain your options, and create a plan that works for you. You deserve strong, compassionate support during a time like this. Let us help you move forward.

Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.  

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.