Attorney: Settlement reached in Murray County school bus crash

MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) – A settlement has been reached on behalf of families affected by a Murray County school bus crash last year.

The crash occurred on April 24, 2023, on Old Grade Road in rural sections of the county.

Bus 1686 was taking students to Murray County High School, Gladden Middle School, and Coker Elementary School.

Still of a Murray County school bus’s dashcam as it crashed into a ditch on April 24, 2023. (Courtesy: Kyle E. Koester)

Footage provided to us by attorneys for the students’ families show a Murray County Bus Driver going roughly 35 miles per hour in a 20 mile per hour speed zone and crashing into a ditch.

Interior bus video shows many students getting flung into the aisle, with some being thrown feet into the air.

A few students suffered injuries, including one student who had surgery for a hip injury and lacerations.

The school district has settled with these families for over $800,000 before the case went to trial.

Attorney Kyle E. Koester said, “It would not be outside the realm of possibility that a child could’ve lost their life in this crash. We’re very grateful that their injuries while significant and serious were not life threatening.”

Koester also said he appreciated the school district coming to the table and avoiding a long legal battle.

The bus driver in this crash according to Koester received two separate citations as they stated that they were distracted by a band instrument.