MILWAUKEE — On Monday morning, multiple individuals were injured when a reckless driver crashed a stolen vehicle into a school bus before fleeing the scene, according to the Milwaukee Police Department.
The incident occurred outside Morse Middle School for the Gifted and Talented, located near 80th and Mill, just before 9 a.m.
According to a press release from the MPD, an 11-year-old aboard the bus was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries that are not expected to be life-threatening. In contrast, a 15-year-old occupant of the vehicle that hit the bus was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Several other passengers from the car escaped on foot. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle involved was reported stolen. Witness footage from the crash shows a white Kia swerving erratically while individuals lean out of the windows. After colliding with the bus, one passenger fell out and was dragged along the ground. The driver attempted to flee the scene, as captured by a video shared with TMJ4 News. Therese Nelson, who was dropping off her son at the school, reported witnessing the Kia’s reckless driving moments before the accident.
“It was terrifying. I felt for the injured person, but reckless behavior has consequences. There should be a limit, and perhaps this serves as a wake-up call for the driver involved. The theft of cars and dangerous driving needs to come to an end,” said Nelson.
Marcia Jenkins also expressed her shock at the chaotic scene while dropping off her child at school, noting that reckless driving has become a frequent occurrence in the area.
“There’s a blatant disregard for safety. I’ve witnessed many close calls while dropping off my son, with reckless driving like swerving and kids doing doughnuts in the street,” Jenkins remarked.
In response to the incident, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) issued a statement emphasizing that staff ensured students were safely inside the building and alerted law enforcement. MPS highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance safety, including installing concrete barriers, fence posts, barricades, and security cameras at school sites.
While MPS is taking steps to improve safety, they urge community members to grasp the seriousness of reckless driving. “It’s a dangerous issue, and we must unite to educate students about safe driving and the associated risks,” stated the MPS.
The Milwaukee Police Department is actively investigating the crash and is on the lookout for the suspects involved. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.
UPDATE FROM @MilwaukeePolice on crash near Morse Middle School:
- Driver and passenger seen leaning out of windows while the car swerved
- 15-year-old male with life-threatening injuries
- 11-year-old male on bus with injuries
- The Kia was stolen
- Passengers in the vehicle fled the scene