Charlotte, North Carolina, February 17, 2026
A serious collision involving a school bus occurred in northwest Charlotte, injuring one person and prompting swift emergency response. The crash, involving bus number 1744, took place near the Northwest School of the Arts at the intersection of Beatties Ford Road and Celia Avenue. While all students and staff on the bus are safe, the identity of the injured individual has not been disclosed. Traffic was significantly affected as authorities closed Beatties Ford Road for the investigation.
Charlotte, North Carolina
One person sustained serious injuries following a collision involving a school bus in northwest Charlotte on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, which occurred around 7 a.m. EST near the Northwest School of the Arts.
The crash site was located at the intersection of Beatties Ford Road and Celia Avenue. Medical personnel confirmed that the injured individual was transported to Novant’s Presbyterian Hospital with serious injuries. The identity of the injured person has not been released, and it is currently unknown whether they were a student or another individual involved in the crash.
Incident Response and Road Impacts
Multiple emergency crews converged on the scene to manage the situation. In the immediate aftermath, Beatties Ford Road was shut down in the area between Lasalle Street and Oaklawn Avenue, significantly impacting the morning commute. Authorities advised drivers to seek alternative routes to avoid delays while the scene was active. The investigation into what caused the crash is ongoing, and no further details regarding the circumstances have been released at this time.
School District Assurance
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) confirmed that the school bus involved in the accident was bus number 1744. The school district promptly issued a statement assuring parents and the public that all students and staff members aboard the bus were confirmed to be safe. Principal Kay Coffel, in a message to parents, indicated that the bus driver followed all established safety protocols immediately after the incident, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene as a precautionary measure. The safety and well-being of students and staff remain a top priority for the district.
Other Recent Local Traffic Incidents
In a separate and unrelated incident occurring recently in the city, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) launched an investigation into a fatal crash in east Charlotte. The collision took place on Split Oak Drive and Lawyers Road. Updates regarding this investigation were published on the evening of February 16, 2026. The area where the fatal crash occurred is predominantly residential. Police urged drivers to avoid the affected region while the investigation proceeded, and further details are expected to be released as the inquiry progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When did the school bus crash in northwest Charlotte occur?
- The crash involving a school bus in northwest Charlotte occurred on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, around 7 a.m. EST.
- Where did the school bus crash take place?
- The crash happened at the intersection of Beatties Ford Road and Celia Avenue, near the Northwest School of the Arts, in northwest Charlotte.
- How many people were injured in the school bus crash?
- One person was seriously injured in the crash and was transported to Novant’s Presbyterian Hospital.
- Were any students or staff injured in the school bus crash?
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed that all students and staff members on bus 1744 were safe. It remains unclear if the seriously injured person was a student.
- What was the impact on traffic due to the school bus crash?
- Beatties Ford Road was closed in a stretch between Lasalle Street and Oaklawn Avenue as a result of the crash.
- When did the fatal crash in east Charlotte occur?
- A fatal crash in east Charlotte was investigated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, with updates published on the evening of February 16, 2026.
- Where did the fatal crash in east Charlotte happen?
- The fatal collision occurred on Split Oak Drive and Lawyers Road in east Charlotte.
Key Incident Features
| Feature | School Bus Crash (Northwest Charlotte) | Fatal Crash (East Charlotte) |
|---|---|---|
| Date and Time | Tuesday, February 17, 2026, around 7 a.m. EST | Evening of February 16, 2026 |
| Location | Intersection of Beatties Ford Road and Celia Avenue, near Northwest School of the Arts | Split Oak Drive and Lawyers Road |
| Injuries/Fatalities | One person seriously injured | Fatal crash |
| Vehicles Involved | School bus (Bus 1744) and another unspecified vehicle | Unspecified |
| Status of Students/Staff | All students and staff on bus 1744 safe | N/A |
| Traffic Impact | Beatties Ford Road closed between Lasalle Street and Oaklawn Avenue | Area mainly residential, drivers asked to avoid |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, no further details released | CMPD investigation ongoing, more details expected |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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