Quick-Thinking Bus Driver Prevents Tragic Head-On Collision in Minnesota

On the morning of February 5, 2025, at approximately 7:15 a.m., 52-year-old Brian Lathrop, a school bus driver for the Onamia School District in central Minnesota, was transporting four students and three adult paraprofessionals southbound on U.S. Highway 169 in Kathio Township. Suddenly, a northbound semitrailer truck veered into their lane, heading directly toward the bus.

Reacting swiftly, Lathrop maneuvered the bus into the truck's lane to avoid a head-on collision. Despite his efforts, the semi sideswiped the rear passenger side of the bus. Two students sustained minor injuries and were evaluated at the scene.