SUV Rear-Ends School Bus in Solvang; CHP Investigating Possible Hit-and-Run

An afternoon collision involving a small SUV and a school bus carrying approximately 25 students on Mission Drive has prompted a hit-and-run investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). While no students were injured, the driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries.

The incident occurred on Friday, January 16, 2026, at approximately 2:24 p.m. in the 1700 block of Mission Drive, just east of Alisal Road. According to emergency responders, a grey Toyota RAV4 crashed into the rear of a school bus.

Santa Barbara County Fire Department units responded to the scene and confirmed that all students on board were unharmed.

The single occupant of the RAV4 reported minor, “complaint of pain” injuries. In response to the crash, the school district dispatched a replacement bus to safely transport the students from the scene.

While the initial crash involved two vehicles, the CHP’s Buellton Area office is investigating whether a third vehicle was involved.

In a statement, the CHP noted that initial reports from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office suggested another vehicle may have played a role in the incident, which is now being investigated as a possible hit-and-run.

The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing. The CHP is asking for the public’s help and encourages anyone with additional information to contact the Buellton Area CHP office during business hours at (805) 691-6160. After hours, information can be provided to the San Luis Obispo Communications Center at (805) 593-3333.

During the response and initial investigation, one westbound lane of Mission Drive was blocked, but the road remained open to traffic.