State, local leaders react to fatal Carroll County crash involving Montgomery County middle school bus

4 hours ago

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

CEDAR GROVE, Tenn. (WSMV/WBBJ) – At least one person is dead and several injuries are being reported after a Montgomery County middle school bus and a dump truck collided in Carroll County Friday afternoon.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System confirmed that the bus was carrying Kenwood Middle School students who were on a field trip at the time of the crash. Read CMCSS’s full statement here:

“A CMCSS bus transporting a group of students and employees from Kenwood Middle School to Jackson, TN, for a field trip was involved in an accident in Carroll County, TN. All families of those on the bus have been contacted. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is the incident command, and CMCSS does not have any additional confirmed information at this time regarding the accident. We will share more information as law enforcement provides it.

Our hearts go out to our Kenwood community, students, staff, faculty, friends, and neighbors. Please join us in praying for all involved.”

Local and state leaders have shared reactions to the fatal crash.

Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden:

“This is a bad day in Montgomery County. A Kenwood Middle School bus transporting students and adults in Carroll County was involved in a fatal crash. Parents have been contacted. There is still a lot of information coming in. Prayer is absolutely needed right now,” Golden said.

Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee):

Praying for those involved in this terrible crash with a school bus from Kenwood Middle School.

For those in the area, please follow guidance from @TNHighwayPatrol.https://t.co/yndqX3x0ms

— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) March 27, 2026

State Representative Aron Mayberry:

“My heart is heavy as we learn about the tragic school bus accident involving a Montgomery County bus in Carroll County today.

We are praying for every student, family, and first responder affected by this heartbreaking situation. We ask our community to join us in lifting them up — for comfort, healing, and strength in the difficult hours ahead.

Please continue to pray for clarity and protection as officials work to understand what happened.

Clarksville stands together.”

Commissioner David W. Shelton:

“I deeply apologize for putting out information (about Kenwood Middle) that was not yet available to the public. It certainly was not my intent to break any news. I regret posting premature information.”

Congressman Matt Van Epps:

“My heart goes out to the Clarksville-Montgomery County community today amid reports of a serious vehicle accident involving a Kenwood Middle School bus. I am keeping the students, their families, and everyone affected in my prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

During moments like this, it is important that we come together to support one another, offer comfort, and stand in solidarity with this community.”

Montgomery County Commissioner Clayton Rudder:

“Tragic news of a Kenwood Middle school bus involved in a horrific accident. Please keep all those involved in your prayers.”

Secretary of State Tre Hargett:

State Representative Brock Martin:

“It’s been a very difficult day in Carroll County.

“Please join me and Krista in prayer for the Clarksville community, our local first responders, the TDOT family, and all others impacted by today’s tragic event. Our community stands ready to help in any way needed!”

Madison County Mayor AJ Massey

“Lauren and I are heartbroken over the loss of life in our neighboring Carroll County today. I have spoken to Montgomery County Mayor Golden to offer my condolences and any help Madison County can offer. He asked for prayers for his community.

Please keep the families impacted in your prayers.”

JMCSS Superintendent Dr. Marlon King

“Dear Jackson-Madison Community,

It is with a profound sense of sadness and a heavy heart that I reach out to you today. Most of you may now be aware of the tragic bus accident involving students from Kenwood Middle School within the Clarksville-Montgomery County School District. These students were traveling to our community to participate in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix Greenpower USA race.

As both a parent and your Superintendent, I am completely devastated by this news. This tragedy occurred in neighboring Carroll County, only a few miles from our own district. While we are still receiving updates, we know that there have been several fatalities, and the impact of this loss is immeasurable.

I have reached out to Superintendent Luna-Vedder to extend the full support and prayers of the Jackson-Madison community. We stand ready to lock arms with our neighbors during this unimaginable time. I am also heartened to hear that the first responders and citizens in Carroll County have already shown incredible grace and support at the scene.

We will proceed with the Greenpower Race opening ceremony at Rockabilly Stadium tomorrow morning at 8:45 a.m. However, the spirit of the event will shift to one of reflection and unity. We will begin with a coordinated moment of silence and prayer for the students, families, and the entire Clarksville-Montgomery County community.

To ensure the well-being of our attendees and participants:

Grief counselors will be on-site at the stadium throughout the event.
The Rockabilly Stadium staff has designated a private location for anyone who may need emotional support or a quiet space to process their grief.

I find myself at a loss for words, but as a person of faith, I am reminded to “watch as well as pray.” I ask that you join me in keeping these families in your thoughts and remaining alert to the ways we can support our visiting friends in the coming days.

With a heavy heart, -M”

Jackson Mayor Scott Conger

“I just read Superintendent’s message, and it’s hard to put into words what you feel after something like this.

As a dad, it hits you in a different place. You think about those kids, that bus ride, the excitement they had walking into today… and how quickly everything changed.

I’m grateful for his leadership in how he’s guiding tomorrow. Shifting the focus to reflection, making space for people to grieve, and reminding us what matters.

Our community stands with those families and with Clarksville and Montgomery County. We’re praying for them. We’re here for them.

If you’re at the event tomorrow, take a moment. Be present. Think about those families.

And tonight, hug your kids a little tighter.”