03-04-2025
'Our thoughts remain with them': Kingman students, staff hospitalized after I-10 crash
The majority of students involved in a bus crash on Interstate 10 near Tucson were released from the hospital and able to go home, the Kingman Unified School District said.
Two students and two staff members remained hospitalized and will stay in Tucson for treatment, according to the school district.
A Kingman Unified School District bus was heading east on I-10 in Marana when an SUV driver merged into the bus, causing the bus to hit a median barrier and roll onto its side. The crash left four people seriously injured, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
"Our thoughts remain with them and their families during this time," the school district said in an update on its website.
The driver of the Volvo SUV was identified as 31-year-old Nicolas Rodriguez. He was taken into custody and accused of three counts of aggravated assault and serious physical injury, Class 3 felonies, according to the Pima County Attorney's Office. His bond was set at $100,000.
Authorities closed the eastbound lanes of the interstate in response to the crash. The lanes reopened around 6 a.m. April 2, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Students from Kingman High School and Lee Williams High School were heading to Tucson for a Future Business Leaders of America conference when the crash occurred.
"We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Tucson and Marana hospitals, first aid responders, and their community for their exceptional support and assistance provided to our students and staff. Your help truly means the world to us!" the district wrote in a Facebook post.
The Kingman Unified School District asked for gift cards, blankets, water and snacks to create get-well baskets for those involved in the crash.
"Your donation not only helps with recovery but also serves as a reminder of the incredible strength and compassion in our community," the district said in the Facebook post.
Donations will be accepted until 3 p.m. on April 3 at the Kingman Unified District Office.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: SUV driver faces felony charges after causing bus crash near Tucson
