Ronan, MT – Bus Accident, Fire at Ronan Middle School on St Andrew St

Ronan, MT (November 29, 2024) – The Ronan Fire Department responded to a bus crash and fire earlier this week, though authorities are still investigating the incident, as of the latest update released on Tuesday.

Per authorities, the bus was used to take Whitefish Speech & Debate students to a tournament. Ronan Fire Chief Chris Adler tells MTN they were dispatched to Ronan Middle School, along St. Andrew Street, at 5:30 p.m. after an apparent collision. When firefighters arrived on the scene, the engine in the back of the bus was fully engulfed, and the fire quickly spread to the rest of the bus.

Adler says the students were not on the bus when it caught fire, though the bus driver was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. However, no additional information is currently available regarding the cause of the crash, and the number of any other injured victims transported to the hospital also remains unclear. In the interim, an investigation is still ongoing, and citations may be pending.

Our thoughts are extended to the injured victims and their loved ones at this time. We hope for their full recovery.

Motor Vehicle Collisions in Montana

Nearly 40,000 fatal motor vehicle accidents occurred nationwide in one recent year, resulting in thousands more fatalities. Moreover, every year, there are 21.6 fatalities per 100,000 individuals in Montana. This is the fifth-highest fatality rate in the country per 100,000 people and is nearly twice the national average of 12.9 deaths per 100,000 people. Tragically, Gallatin County experienced the seventh-highest number of roadway fatalities in Montana over the last decade.

Car accidents occur in Montana’s rural and urban areas, as is the case nationwide. Nevertheless, rural areas account for roughly 75% of Montana’s fatal auto accidents, while urban areas or unreported locations account for the remainder. Unsurprisingly, intersections and highways are hotspots for serious auto accidents. And, of course, most individuals do not anticipate being killed or sustaining severe bodily injuries when they embark on a day trip to a park or the mall in their vehicles. In a matter of seconds, however, a car accident can occur, upending the lives of victims and their families.

Here at Holloway & Hulling, our exceptional capacity to advocate for your best interests is directly attributable to our comprehensive knowledge of personal injury laws and our extensive history of serving injured victims and their families with compassion at the worst times of their lives. Our experience is essential when you and your family negotiate with insurance companies, navigate the complexities of Montana’s negligence laws, or determine the fair value of your claim about medical expenses and lost wages.

Our team is committed to providing a legal strategy tailored to your specific requirements at every stage of your claim. If a car accident has occurred through no fault of your own and left you with injuries, please get in touch with our personal injury attorneys right away. Contact our Ronan car accident lawyers immediately at (406) 880-7424 to learn more about how Holloway & Hulling can help you and your family today.

Notes: Our team collects data on accidents in Montana from multiple external sources such as news outlets, police records, social media, and direct accounts from witnesses. We have not independently verified the specifics of this particular incident. Should you encounter any discrepancies in our content, please contact Holloway & Hulling. We will make necessary corrections or remove the information promptly.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended for business solicitation. Please be aware that the information shared here should not be considered legal advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. Legal results can differ based on individual circumstances. For tailored legal guidance, directly reach out to Holloway & Hulling. Additionally, the image featured in this post does not depict the actual accident scene.