School bus rolls near Dent in Otter Tail County, no injuries

A school bus operated by Otter Tail Coaches rolled near Dent township in Otter Tail County on Jan. 15, prompting a coordinated response by local emergency crews and school officials. Authorities confirmed there were no student injuries and responders removed the bus from the scene.

Emergency personnel arrived quickly and secured the site, working with school officials to account for students and staff. School district representatives confirmed that no students were harmed; local responders handled vehicle recovery and cleared the roadway. Officials also provided local contact points for residents seeking more information.

The incident interrupted normal bus routes and created delays for families in the Dent area. While the physical harm to students was avoided, the event has immediate practical consequences: some routes were rerouted, parents were notified through school communication channels, and a temporary strain fell on spare buses and district transportation staff. For rural communities that rely on a small fleet of yellow buses and reserve drivers, even a single vehicle incident can ripple through morning and afternoon schedules.

This kind of incident raises questions about safety oversight and emergency readiness. Local emergency crews' rapid removal of the vehicle demonstrated operational coordination between first responders and school personnel. School transportation is governed by district policies and state regulations designed to minimize risk; residents can reasonably expect follow-up from the bus operator and the district to review causes and ensure preventive measures are in place. Incidents involving school vehicles commonly lead to internal reviews by operators and school districts and, where appropriate, further investigation by county or state authorities.

For parents and community members, the top priorities are clarity and safety. Expect official updates from the school district and Otter Tail Coaches as they complete any internal assessments and determine whether route changes or additional training will follow. Residents with immediate questions were directed to the local contact points provided by officials.

The near-miss in Dent avoided the worst outcome, but it underscores the importance of maintaining robust communication and transparent follow-up when school transportation incidents occur. In the coming days, local leaders and families will watch for details on what caused the rollover and what steps will be taken to keep Otter Tail County students safe on the road.