School Bus Rolls Near Star Lake, No Injuries Reported

An Otter Tail Coaches school bus left the roadway and rolled onto its side during heavy snowfall and limited visibility on Tuesday afternoon, December 10, 2025, near Star Lake on 380th Street in rural Dent. The bus was occupied only by the driver and one juvenile passenger, and neither sustained injuries, according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff s Office.

The sheriff s office attributed the crash to snowy roads that caused the vehicle to leave the roadway, and said a steep roadside ditch contributed to the bus rolling onto its side. Beyer s Towing removed the bus from the ditch, and deputies remained in contact with the school and the bus company about the incident and road conditions following the recovery.

Local residents said the heavy snowfall made travel difficult across parts of Otter Tail County on Tuesday, with visibility reduced on many rural roads. The incident underscores the particular vulnerabilities of rural school transportation, where narrow roads, limited shoulders and steep ditches increase the risk of rollovers during winter storms. While this crash resulted in no physical injuries, such events can be frightening for students, drivers and families and highlight the need for clear communication and rapid response when weather threatens school travel.

The crash may prompt school officials and the bus company to review routing decisions, timing of runs and protocols for operating in severe winter weather. County road crews and township maintenance teams play a key role in keeping school routes passable, and residents said consistent plowing and timely salt or sand application remain crucial on secondary roads.

Public health and safety officials note that keeping students safe in rural districts requires coordination among schools, bus companies, law enforcement and highway maintenance crews. Parents and caregivers are advised to monitor district notifications and local road reports during winter storms, and to allow extra time for travel when conditions are poor.

No formal investigation report has been released beyond the sheriff s initial statement. Deputies continue to communicate with the school and bus company about the incident and conditions on 380th Street to help prevent similar occurrences as the season progresses.