Frm the Nunda Township Fire Protection District:
School Bus Crash on Justen Road
On Monday, December 1, 2025, at 4:33pm, the Nunda Rural Fire Protection District was dispatched to the area of Colby Point Road and S. Justen Road in unincorporated McHenry for a reported school bus crash.
Crews arrived a short time later and located a full-sized school bus in the ditch just south of Colby Point Road on S. Justen Road.
The bus had also struck a utility pole, which brought wires down and created additional tensioned utility lines above the vehicle.
Since no injuries were initially reported and energized wires were involved, firefighters kept the driver and two children between the ages of four and six safely on board until ComEd could secure the power.
The occupants were safely removed from the bus shortly before 5:30 pm.
Once removed, all three occupants were evaluated by paramedics.
One child was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The second child was released to their parents at the scene.
The driver was uninjured.
Fire crews remained on scene for nearly two hours monitoring the removal of the school bus and ComEd electrical work.
We appreciated the assistance from the Cary Fire Protection District, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, and our dispatchers.
“We were nearly positive the live wires were not an immediate hazard, but out of an abundance of caution we kept the occupants on the bus until the power was confirmed to be fully secured.
“Our priority was making sure everyone stayed safe while we managed the scene.
“Given the circumstances, this was the best possible outcome.
“We also appreciated the representatives from the school district who came to the scene, stayed engaged, and worked collaboratively with our crews throughout the incident,” said Fire Chief Mike Keenan of the Nunda Rural Fire Protection District.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash. Any questions regarding the cause of the crash, fault, the involvement of additional vehicles, seat belt use, or speeds should be directed to their office.
Photos are courtesy of the Nunda Rural Fire Protection District.
