Collin County Sheriff Deputies responded to a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at approximately 3:45 pm. The incident occurred on FM 3286, also known as Lucas Bridge Road, which spans Lavon Lake and connects the towns of Lucas and Branch.
The collision involved a Princeton ISD school bus and at least two other vehicles. Authorities have confirmed the loss of a 9-year-old girl, identified as Abigail Kate-Rascher of Princeton, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Another person, 41-year-old Jennifer Rascher, the driver of a sedan involved in the crash, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Princeton ISD has verified that there were nine high school students on the bus during the time of the accident. The bus driver and all nine students underwent medical examinations by paramedics, and no injuries were reported. The students were subsequently transferred to another bus for their journey home.
Preliminary investigations by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) indicate that a Jeep Wrangler rear-ended a Nissan Versa, which then collided with the school bus. The crash occurred in an area where traffic was already congested at the time.
