A 7-year-old girl and a her bus driver have been killed, as well as others injured, after a school bus crashed in Meigs County, Tennessee, on Tuesday.
According to tragic reports, the crash, involving a utility service vehicle, occurred on a state highway. 22 children were on the bus when the accident happened, five of whom were airlifted to a regional hospital. A further two were taken by ambulance.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said in an evening news conference yesterday that the bus driver had no opportunity to stop.
NBC, meanwhile, say the crash occurred when the aforementioned utility service vehicle, operated by Service Electric, lost control and veered into oncoming traffic.
A 7-year-old passenger was killed in the ensuing collision, while another boy was in critical condition and was undergoing surgery as of Tuesday night.
Lt. Bill Miller of the Tennessee Highway Patrol commented: “My sincere condolences to this community and to the family of the school bus driver and the family of the 7-year-old who was killed tonight in this crash.”
Penny Schwinn, Tennessee Education Commissioner, told in a statement how she and the staff at the Tennessee Department of Education are “deeply saddened”.
Schwinn said: “We send our deepest condolences to the students, families, school staff and leaders, district staff and the entire Meigs County community affected by this tragic accident and wish healing for all those injured.
“The department has communicated with district leaders and staff in Meigs County and surrounding areas and is mobilizing to support this community in safety response and services.”
Lt. Miller said that the school bus driver had no opportunity to stop after the utility vehicle swerved and then side-skidded in front of her vehicle.
As per reports, the driver of the Service Electric vehicle was treated for minor injuries. No charges have been filed as of today, with local authorities to review the matter first.
My heart bleeds for the victims of this crash. Tragic accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and this is a reminder for us to remember that.
We’re sending all our love and support to the survivors of this crash and the families of the victims.
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