San Antonio, TX — A devastating accident involving a Vandegrift High School marching band bus and a train has left families, students, and staff in shock and heartbreak. The collision occurred Tuesday afternoon at a railway crossing in San Antonio, where officials say a charter bus carrying band members was struck by a moving train.
Details regarding the number of injuries and fatalities have not yet been formally released as authorities continue to contact families. Emergency responders from multiple agencies rushed to the scene, where significant damage to the bus was reported. Students who were able to exit the vehicle were transported to nearby hospitals and safe areas for evaluation and reunification with family members.
Witnesses described the scene as “chaotic” and “unimaginably tragic,” with many still processing what they saw.
The Vandegrift High School community, located in Travis County, is widely known for its award-winning marching band—a tight-knit group of students who spend long hours together practicing, performing, and traveling. For many, the band is not just an extracurricular activity, but a family in its own right.
Parents, classmates, and school staff gathered in hushed sorrow Tuesday evening, seeking comfort in one another as they awaited updates from officials. School counselors and crisis support teams have been made available to students, families, and staff.
The Leander Independent School District released a statement expressing its grief, noting:
“Our hearts are broken. Our focus is on supporting our students, families, and staff during this difficult time. We ask the community to hold these families close in their thoughts.”
The National Transportation Safety Board and local authorities are jointly investigating the cause of the collision. No further details on the circumstances leading up to the impact have yet been released.
This tragedy has echoed far beyond the school, with messages of support pouring in from surrounding districts, marching band programs, and community members across Texas.
For now, the community holds its breath, prays, and waits—together.