UPDATED: 39 Passengers Aboard Two Buses in Apple Valley Crash; KinderCare Bus Overturns
Published: September 2, 2026 | Updated: September 2, 2026 at 12:20 PM.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - Thirty-nine passengers, including numerous children, were aboard two buses that collided Wednesday morning at 140th Street West and Galaxie Avenue in Apple Valley, causing one of the vehicles to overturn. Apple Valley Police released additional details Wednesday afternoon following the crash, which occurred at approximately 9:10 a.m. on September 2, 2026.
According to police, a full-size school bus owned by Independent School District 196 was traveling westbound on 140th Street West. At the same time, a smaller transport bus operated by KinderCare Education was traveling eastbound on 140th Street and attempting to turn left onto northbound Galaxie Avenue. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.
The District 196 school bus sustained front-end damage, while the KinderCare transport bus was struck on its passenger side and overturned.
11 Children Aboard Overturned KinderCare Bus
Apple Valley Police said the KinderCare bus was carrying its driver and 11 children at the time of the collision. First responders and bystanders worked together to evacuate everyone from the overturned vehicle. The larger District 196 bus was carrying a driver and 28 passengers of varying ages, according to police. Combined, the two buses were carrying 39 passengers in addition to their two drivers.
Despite the number of people involved and the KinderCare bus overturning, authorities reported that the injuries sustained in the crash were minor.
Apple Valley Fire personnel and Allina paramedics provided medical attention to those who were injured at the scene. Police did not immediately provide a specific number of people who suffered injuries.
Police Thank Bystanders Who Helped Children
The Apple Valley Police Department specifically recognized the bystanders who stopped and assisted following the collision.
“The department extends our appreciation to Apple Valley Fire, Allina EMS, and the bystanders who assisted in removing the injured children from the overturned bus,” police said in a Wednesday press release.
Apple Valley Police, Apple Valley Fire and Allina paramedics initially responded to the intersection following the 9:10 a.m. report. Several members of District 196 administration were also observed at the scene following the crash.
State Patrol Assisting With Investigation
The collision remains under investigation by the Apple Valley Police Department with assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol. A Minnesota State Patrol commercial vehicle officer was among those called to the scene Wednesday morning to assist with the investigation.
Police have now confirmed the direction of travel for both vehicles and their movements immediately before the collision. However, authorities have not announced an official cause or said whether either driver will be cited. The investigation will determine the circumstances that led to the two buses colliding in the intersection.
Roads Reopen Following Significant Delays
The crash resulted in significant traffic disruptions around 140th Street and Galaxie Avenue while emergency crews treated those involved, evacuated the overturned bus and investigated the collision. Northbound and southbound Galaxie Avenue were affected, along with portions of 140th Street, as authorities restricted traffic around the crash scene. Police said the affected roads reopened at approximately 10:30 a.m.
The Apple Valley Police Department said it will continue investigating the collision with assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol.
This is a developing story. Limitless Media will update this report as additional official information becomes available.
Written by: Will Wight
