Accident – Death – Obituary News :

NTSB Team Begins Investigation into Deadly Ohio Highway Crash

NTSB to Analyze Evidence from Five Vehicles Involved in Tragic Accident

ETNA, Ohio (AP) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dispatched a team to the scene of a devastating highway crash in Ohio that resulted in the loss of six lives and left 18 individuals injured. The tragic incident involved a charter bus transporting high school students and occurred on westbound Interstate 70 in Licking County, about 26 miles (42 kilometers) east of Columbus.

The NTSB Chair, Jennifer Homendy, announced that the investigative team would focus on retrieving crucial evidence, including surveillance camera footage, from the five vehicles involved in the crash. The team is expected to remain in the area for a period of five to seven days, during which they will meticulously analyze the collected evidence. Homendy also stated that a preliminary report on the incident is anticipated to be released within the next few weeks.

Homendy acknowledged the presence of conflicting information regarding the sequence of events leading to the chain-reaction crash, which involved an SUV, a semitruck, and the Pioneer Trails charter bus. The bus, carrying a driver and 54 students and chaperones from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District, was en route to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus.

A press conference scheduled for Wednesday afternoon by the NTSB is expected to provide further details about the ongoing investigation.

Tragic Loss of Life and Impact on the Community

The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed that three passengers aboard the bus, identified as John W. Mosely, 18, of Mineral City; Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, of Bolivar; and Katelyn N. Owens, 15, of Mineral City, were pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, three individuals from one of the passenger vehicles involved, high school teacher Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre; Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar; and Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar, were also tragically killed.

The Tuscarawas Valley Superintendent, Derek Varansky, expressed his deep sorrow and described the incident as one of the darkest days in the district’s history. Varansky emphasized the need to honor the victims and provide support to the survivors and the entire district during the challenging times ahead. In an effort to ensure the well-being of the students, classes were scheduled to resume the following day, with additional counselors and support staff available to assist those affected.

The fatal crash forced the cancellation of the final day of the Ohio School Boards Association conference, a prominent education convention that attracts attendees from across the nation. The event, which showcased innovative school programs and provided professional development sessions, was cut short upon learning of the tragedy.

Survivors Recall Harrowing Moments

Tori Wilson, a student at Tuscarawas Valley High School who was aboard the bus during the collision, recounted the terrifying ordeal. Wilson, who was seated towards the rear of the bus, heard discussions about a fire and the urgent need to evacuate. She found herself trapped, struggling to escape while a fellow student suffered a seizure, impeding her movements.

Wilson shared her harrowing experience, saying, “I had my friend beside me to my right, that was sitting right to where I was, where I was gonna sit, but she said that I could have the inside towards the window. And all I could see was her head and the rest was all crushed underneath seats.”

According to Wilson, the bus was engulfed in flames, but the heroic actions of the junior high band director saved lives. The band director repeatedly re-entered the burning bus to rescue students, displaying immense bravery and selflessness.

Finally, Wilson managed to free herself by climbing out through a window and escaping the wreckage.

Recurring Tragedies Raise Concerns

This devastating collision involving high school students on a charter bus marks the second fatal crash of its kind in recent months. In September, a charter bus transporting high school students to band camp veered off a highway in New York, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries.

In response to such incidents, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine initiated the School Bus Safety Working Group in August. The group aims to address safety concerns and develop recommendations to prevent future accidents involving school buses. The panel’s upcoming meeting will focus on training and on-bus instruction, with the final report expected to be released by the end of the year.

The tragic crash in Ohio will undoubtedly be acknowledged during the meeting, prompting further discussions on how to enhance safety measures and protect students during school bus transportation.

Associated Press writers Ron Todt in Philadelphia and Bruce Shipkowski in Toms River, New Jersey, contributed to this report.

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