Crushed School Bus by Baobab Tree

One of the most striking and symbolic landmarks in Roseau is the crushed school bus by the baobab tree, located within the historic Dominica Botanic Gardens. This captivating sight draws immediate attention—an old yellow school bus, crumpled beneath the massive trunk of a fallen African baobab tree, frozen in time since the devastation of Hurricane David in 1979.

A Storm’s Legacy

When Hurricane David struck Dominica on August 29, 1979, it brought catastrophic winds exceeding 150 mph, uprooting trees and flattening infrastructure island-wide. At the Botanic Gardens, a towering baobab collapsed directly onto a parked school bus. Thankfully, no one was inside at the time. Rather than remove the wreckage, it was left as a haunting reminder of the storm’s impact.

Living Landmark and Photo Stop

Today, the site is among Dominica’s most photographed landmarks. The massive baobab has since grown around the bus, creating a natural sculpture that blends nature and man-made history. Tourists and locals alike stop to reflect, take photos, and hear the story from local guides.

Symbol of Resilience

The scene stands as more than a curiosity—it represents the resilience of the Dominican people in the face of natural disaster. Embedded in the heart of Roseau, the crushed bus beneath the baobab is both a living monument and a cautionary tale about the island’s vulnerability and strength.