EPHRAIM, Utah – A devastating head-on collision between a pickup truck and two buses from a private boarding school has resulted in one fatality and multiple student hospitalizations, casting a pall over a close-knit Utah community.
The Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) reports the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 12, on U.S. Route 8 near Ephraim. A 43-year-old man driving a pickup truck southbound crossed the center line, striking two northbound buses carrying students from Wasatch Academy.
Immediate Aftermath and Injuries
The impact was catastrophic for the second bus, which was hit head-on. According to authorities, the driver of the pickup truck died at the scene.
UHP confirms all 18 occupants of the second bus—17 students and one faculty driver—were transported to area hospitals. Two students were airlifted by medical helicopter and remain in critical condition. The remaining students were treated for minor injuries.
The first bus was sideswiped; none of its 19 student passengers were physically hurt, though many are reportedly traumatized by the event.
School and Community Mobilize Support
Wasatch Academy, a prestigious boarding school in nearby Mt. Pleasant, communicated with parents throughout the night. In a statement, the school confirmed that finals scheduled for this week are postponed, and all activities are rescheduled to prioritize emotional recovery.
“The entire Wasatch Academy community is heartbroken,” the school’s head said in a release. “Our immediate focus is on supporting our students, the injured, their families, and our faculty and staff.”
The surrounding towns have rallied in support. “Mt. Pleasant City extends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the students, faculty, and families of our Wasatch Academy family,” the city posted on its official social media channels. “Our community stands with you.”
Ongoing Investigation
UHP investigators stated that while the crash remains under active investigation, fatigued driving is being considered as a primary contributing factor. Troopers are working to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.
“The scene was complex, and our hearts go out to everyone affected, especially the young students,” said a UHP spokesperson at the scene. “This is a profound tragedy for this community.”
Counselors and crisis support teams are available on campus for students and staff as the school and the families of those injured begin a long and difficult recovery process.