VALDOSTA – The driver of a pickup truck involved in the accident was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Release:

On April 12, 2024, at approximately 6:38 am., Valdosta Police Officers, Valdosta Fire Fighters, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel responded to the 1000 block of South Patterson Street, after numerous citizens called E911 to report a traffic accident. The callers reported that the traffic accident involved a Valdosta City School bus and a pickup truck. When first responders arrived at the accident, they observed a pickup truck partially underneath the side of the school bus.

The driver of the pickup truck, an 80-year-old male, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The school bus had six students on the bus at the time of the accident, and no injuries were reported from anyone on the bus.

The accident is currently under investigation by the Valdosta Police Department Traffic Unit.

“Our prayers go out to everyone involved or affected by this terrible accident. We appreciate the assistance from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Motor Carrier Compliance.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan.

If anyone has any information on this case, we are asking that you contact the Valdosta Police Department Traffic Unit at 229-242-2606, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.