‘I heard screeching:’ Many impacted by the I-405 collision in Bothell involving a school bus

All lanes are available after a collision on I-405 south involving a school bus and two other vehicles just north of State Route 527 (SR 527) in Bothell, officials reported Wednesday afternoon.

The Bothell Fire Department published short statements on X about the road collision and reported 20 children and three adults were on the bus. No injuries were reported.

At approximately 1:11 pm at SB 405 MP 26, Bothell Fire responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pick up truck and school bus. The bus was carrying 20 students and 3 adults. No injuries were reported by those on board. pic.twitter.com/lmwFh1mBX4

— Bothell Fire Department (@BothellFire) November 13, 2024

A school bus was involved in the I-405 collision in Bothell

The La Conner School District confirmed in a statement on its website Wednesday afternoon a school bus carrying its girls soccer team was involved in the collision and no one on the bus was injured.

“We’re relieved to report that all students and staff are safe following this afternoon’s accident,” the statement reads. “Our coaches and first responders on the scene ensured a swift response.”

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) arranged for a city bus to safely transport everyone from the freeway, the school system’s statement concludes.

KIRO 7 spoke to multiple students on the bus and they described what they felt.

“The truck just cut right in front – I heard screeching and then just a ‘bang’ and I just fell off my seat,” Finley Hancock, a freshman on the team, said.

Later Wednesday, the school district released another short statement saying the soccer match the girls team was traveling to had to be rescheduled after the collision. It will take place Thursday, at 5 p.m. at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School. KIRO 7 reported the group was on its way to a first-round match in the state tournament.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Northshore School District and their transportation department for transporting our student-athletes and coaches back home …”

The school district added in another short post counselors will be available to anyone affected by the collision.

“We also appreciate our families for their patience and support as we managed the logistics to keep everyone safe,” the district said. “Tonight, let’s all give our kids and loved ones a few extra hugs.”

More details about the I-405 collision

WSP Trooper Rommie Smith confirmed in an interview with KIRO Newsradio Wednesday afternoon three vehicles were involved in the freeway collision, a pickup truck, a sedan and the school bus. It is not yet known how the collision occurred or who was at fault.

According to KIRO 7, the WSP stated the pickup driver had some kind of medical episode and then hit a barrier just before colliding with the school bus. Smith told KIRO Newsradio the driver of the pickup truck sustained minor injuries in the incident.

The school bus was damaged in the road incident and required a tow truck, Smith reported. That is what was causing the lane closures and subsequent traffic issues on the freeway.

How the collision on I-405 south in Bothell impacted traffic

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) first reported the collision in a post on X at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. Just before 1:30 p.m., the agency stated on X all of the lanes were blocked and traffic couldn’t advance at all.

Just before 1:50 p.m., WSDOT reported on X the right lane was open for traffic. About an hour later, at 2:45 p.m., the agency provided another update on social media saying only the toll lane, on the left, remained blocked following the collision. At 3:10 p.m., WSDOT stated all lanes were clear and open again after the road incident.

The state agency did tell drivers to expect delays in the area at that time and drive with caution while approaching the scene.

Contributing: Aaron Granillo, KIRO Newsradio

Steve Coogan is the lead editor of MyNorthwest. You can read more of his stories here. Follow Steve on X, or email him here.