Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Tragic Charter Bus Crash in Ohio Leaves Six Dead and 18 Injured

NTSB Team Begins Investigation

ETNA, Ohio (AP) — A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) team has arrived at the scene of a devastating highway crash in Ohio. The crash involved a charter bus filled with high school students, resulting in the tragic deaths of six people and leaving 18 others injured. The NTSB team, led by Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy, is set to commence their investigation on Wednesday.

Searching for Evidence

Chairwoman Homendy has stated that the team will be searching for crucial evidence, including footage from cameras, in the five vehicles involved in the accident. The collision occurred on westbound Interstate 70 in Licking County, approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) east of Columbus. The team is expected to stay in the area for five to seven days, with a preliminary report to be issued in the coming weeks.

Conflicting Information Surrounding the Crash

Chairwoman Homendy also expressed that there is conflicting information regarding the sequence of events leading up to the tragic chain-reaction crash. The collision involved an SUV, a semitruck, and the Pioneer Trails charter bus. The bus was transporting students and chaperones from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District in eastern Ohio.

Victims Identified

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has revealed the identities of the victims involved in the crash. Three passengers on the charter bus, identified as John W. Mosely, 18, Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, and Katelyn N. Owens, 15, tragically lost their lives at the scene. The bus was carrying a total of 54 students and chaperones, including the driver.

Impact on Ohio School Boards Association Conference

The charter bus was en route to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus. The event, known as the second-largest education convention in the nation, was canceled upon learning of the tragic crash. The conference was set to offer professional development sessions for school district management teams, as well as an annual Student Achievement Fair showcasing innovative school programs.

Tuscarawas Valley Superintendent Derek Varansky, speaking at a community prayer vigil, described the incident as one of the darkest days in the district’s history. He expressed the community’s desire to honor the deceased and support the survivors who experienced the traumatic event. Varansky further stated that classes would resume the following day, with additional counselors and support staff available to assist students.

Additional Fatalities

In addition to the victims on the charter bus, three individuals from one of the passenger vehicles involved in the crash also lost their lives. The deceased have been identified as Dave Kennat, 56, Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45. The driver of the other passenger vehicle was taken to a hospital for treatment. The drivers of the commercial vehicles sustained varying degrees of injuries, with one being hospitalized and the other receiving on-site treatment, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Traffic Disruption and Reopening of Interstate 70

Following the crash, both sides of Interstate 70 were closed for several hours, causing significant traffic delays in the area. The eastbound lanes were reopened late Tuesday afternoon, while the westbound lanes resumed operation early Wednesday.

Survivor’s Harrowing Account

Tori Wilson, a sophomore at the school, provided a chilling account of the crash. She was seated towards the back of the bus when it was struck, and she overheard someone mentioning a fire and the urgent need to evacuate. Unfortunately, Wilson found herself trapped and struggled to escape. She witnessed a fellow student having a seizure and another student trapped under the wreckage. Despite the chaos, the junior high band director displayed immense bravery, repeatedly returning to the burning bus to rescue students.

Eventually, Wilson managed to free herself through a window and escape the wreckage. Her courage and determination amid the terrifying circumstances showcase the resilience and strength of the survivors.

An Unfortunate Pattern

This tragic 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 carrying high school students to band camp veered off a highway in New York, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. These incidents highlight the importance of prioritizing safety measures and regulations to protect young passengers on their journeys.

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