Elementary Students Rescued from Creek in Terrifying School Bus Crash After Driver Fell Asleep

Officials rushed to rescue dozens of students after a school bus crash in California left the vehicle hanging over a creek — and police say the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

According to a post from the California Highway Patrol, the crash happened Monday morning, Feb. 2, in Sacramento. Dispatch logs obtained by local media show the incident was reported around 7:25 a.m. on the 5100 block of Raley Boulevard, near McClellan Airport.

The bus, operated by the Robla School District, was carrying approximately 30 to 40 students at the time of the crash. Authorities later confirmed the children are elementary school students.

Photos shared by CHP and local outlets showed the school bus partially off the roadway, tilted and dangling into a creek with several feet of water below. Emergency responders worked quickly to secure the scene and safely remove the students from the bus.

“We’re grateful to report that all students were properly secured and were not injured,” CHP said in a statement posted to Facebook.

Investigators believe the driver may have fallen asleep, though the official cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed. As a precaution, the bus driver was transported to a local hospital with a complaint of pain. The school district later said the driver sustained minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

In a statement to PEOPLE, the Robla School District said its Transportation Department and local law enforcement responded immediately.

“All students on the bus were safely accounted for, and no injuries have been reported at this time,” the district said. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”

Both the district and police confirmed the incident remains under investigation.

Following the crash, CHP used the incident as a reminder to drivers about school bus safety, urging motorists to slow down in school zones, never pass stopped buses with flashing red lights, and remain alert during morning and afternoon hours.

“This incident is a strong reminder of why school bus safety standards, seat positioning, and cautious driving around buses matter,” CHP said. “School buses are designed to protect their passengers — but drivers still play a critical role.”

Thanks to a quick response from first responders and school staff, what could have been a tragedy ended with all students safely rescued.