Bus Carrying State Prisoners Involved in Big Country Crash

BAIRD - Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers responded to a crash involving a Texas Department of Corrections prisoner transport bus and a motorist on State Highway 36, 2 miles east of U.S. Highway 283 south of Baird Tuesday afternoon. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that a driver operating a white 2017 Ford passenger car had attempted to pass the 2017 Bluebird prison bus traveling west on S.H. 36.   The passenger car was not clear to pass and attempted to cut in while passing and striking the bus. 

Both the bus and car left the east side of the roadway.  The driver of the Ford passenger car and driver of the TDC bus were transported to an area hospital with non-incapacitating injuries. 

The TDC bus passengers were transferred to another bus and were taken to their destination where they will be evaluated by medical personnel for possible injuries. 

The TDC bus contained 10 inmates, 2 guards and 1 driver.  The passenger car contained only the driver.  The driver of the passenger car will be charged with a traffic violation of, “cut in after passing.”