Parents considering legal action after field trip bus chaos in Palm Desert; charter company goes silent
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Parents of elementary school students stranded on the side of the road during a field trip meltdown are now speaking with attorneys and considering legal action after what they describe as a traumatic and negligent ordeal.
The incident happened Wednesday evening as a private charter bus - contracted by Desert Sands Unified School District but not operated by it - was returning third graders from James Carter Elementary School back from a trip to Legoland. According to school officials, the driver stopped abruptly on Cook Street in Palm Desert after a heated exchange with a parent chaperone, called 911, and refused to continue driving.
“The driver was yelling at kids, locked us inside, and then just walked off the bus,” said one parent, in a a formal complaint submitted to the district. They allege the driver also denied bathroom breaks and created what he calls a “dangerous and emotionally scarring” situation for students.
Videos shared with News Channel 3 show visibly shaken children climbing off the bus as law enforcement arrived and families scrambled to pick them up.
While Desert Sands says it’s reviewing the incident and providing counseling support to students, some parents say that’s not enough - and several are now in contact with legal counsel to assess options.
The district clarified it does not manage the company’s operations, though it did hire them for the trip.
The bus company involved, Cardiff Limousine and Transportation, is privately owned and did not respond to request for comment on Thursday.
News Channel Threes Garrett Hottle spoke with leadership at Cardiff Limousine and Transportation on Friday, and was told Cardiff would be providing a statement or explanation on the series of events precipitating the scene in an interview for tonight's broadcast.
In an update, before our 5pm broadcast, Cardiff said they will not comment at this time, but may send a statement at a later date.
We hope to get their answers soon and will continue to reach out to all sides.
News Channel 3 will continue to follow this developing story, and provide any additional updates as they come in.
