Two dead identified in Clay County school bus crash

The Clay County Sheriff's Office said one person died in a crash involving a car and a school bus on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri State Highway Patrol has identified the two people killed in a multi-vehicle crash. School bus crash in Clay County.

The accident was reported shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Highway 92 and Highway A areabetween Kearney and Smithville.

MSHP reports the crash happened as the driver of a 2012 Ford Fusion was stopped on Highway 92 westbound and preparing to turn and was struck by a 2014 Toyota Scion that then crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the side of a school bus traveling eastbound. The Scion then made a U-turn and struck a 2023 Ford Explorer.

A female passenger in the Scion was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. She was identified as Iris Vallares Barahona, 35, of Kansas City, Missouri.

Another passenger in the Scion was taken to Liberty Hospital where she died of her injuries. She was identified as Griselda Rodriguez Apolinar, also of Kansas City, Missouri.

The driver of the Scion was taken to Liberty Hospital with serious injuries.

There were 17 students and four adults on the school bus. Two students were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Other students were taken to Kearney to be reunited with their families.

The students are part of the Gallatin School District and were returning home from Kansas City International Airport after a conference in Florida.

The Gallatin School District released a statement Thursday saying: “We would like to inform you that one of our school buses was involved in an accident earlier today while returning from the FBLA Nationals. We are relieved to report that all students and staff on board the bus have been found safe and well. We would like to thank our staff members for their very quick response and care for our students during this time. We are working closely with local authorities and will provide more information as it becomes available. Thank you for your understanding and patience..”

The MSHP continues to investigate the incident.