SANPETE COUNTY, Utah — A serious school bus crash in Sanpete County unfolded Friday night when two Wasatch Academy buses carrying students home from a basketball game were struck along US-89 near Ephraim. What began as a routine return trip quickly turned into a traumatic emergency involving multiple injuries and a fatality.
What Happened on US-89 Near Ephraim
According to officials, the two Wasatch Academy school buses were traveling together when a pickup truck crossed into their lane. The truck first side-swiped the lead bus, which was carrying 19 students and staff, before colliding head-on with the second bus behind it.
The impact caused widespread panic among the students, particularly on the second bus, which took the brunt of the crash.
Student’s Emergency Response Helped Calm First Bus
Ashle Mosher said her daughter, Catalina, who was riding on the first bus, immediately called her after the crash.
“She said, ‘I want you to know I’m okay, but we were just in a crash. Both buses were hit,’” Ashle recalled. “I could hear screaming and crying in the background.”
Although the first bus reported no physical injuries, emotions were high. Thanks to her parents’ background in emergency medical services (EMS), Catalina quickly called 911 and took control of the situation.
Her father, Eyan Mosher, said Catalina helped stabilize the scene until first responders arrived.
“She calmed the students down. Some were having panic attacks, one student was hyperventilating and passing out, and she stayed with them until emergency crews took over,” he said.
Second Bus Victims Rushed to Hospitals
The situation was far more serious on the second school bus, where all 18 occupants were transported to area hospitals. Authorities confirmed that two students were airlifted in critical condition, underscoring the severity of the crash.
Ashle said her daughter understood how bad the situation was behind her but stayed focused.
“She knew it was a very serious crash, especially for the bus behind her, but she kept her own bus calm. I can’t believe she handled it at such a young age.”
Pickup Truck Driver Killed; Fatigue Suspected
Utah Highway Patrol confirmed that the 43-year-old driver of the pickup truck died at the scene. Investigators believe driver fatigue may have contributed to the crash.
UHP Trooper Takesha Durrant emphasized the dangers of drowsy driving.
“Fatigued driving is just as dangerous as impaired driving. If you feel tired, pull over somewhere safe and rest before continuing.”
Emotional Impact on Students and School Response
Beyond physical injuries, families are deeply concerned about the emotional toll on the close-knit Wasatch Academy community.
“It’s a small school, and the students are like family,” Ashle said. “We’re trying to comfort her, but this was one of the scariest things we’ve experienced.”
In response, Wasatch Academy is bringing in trauma counseling services and has postponed final exams to give students time to recover emotionally.
