Illinois State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Rockport Involving a Passenger Car and a School Bus
August 13, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2026
ROCKPORT – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is investigating a fatal crash involving a passenger car and a school bus from Pleasant Hill School District. This morning, at approximately 7:41 a.m., Troopers responded to a crash on US-54 west of 165th Avenue in rural Pike County. Preliminary information indicates the school bus was slowing to pick up children with its flashers activated when a passenger car rear-ended the school bus. Both vehicles caught fire as a result.
The juvenile driver of the passenger car has been confirmed deceased. The bus had 11 occupants: one adult driver and ten minor students. No significant injuries were reported by any of the bus occupants. All students have been reunited with their guardians.
US-54 between 165th Street and 265th Street will remain closed while officers investigate. Please seek an alternative route of travel. This is an active investigation, and no additional information is available. ISP will release additional information when available.
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