BIG SPRING, TX –– Texas Department of Public Safety officials issued a brief statement late Friday night regarding the horrific crash involving charter buses from Andrews ISD.
According to DPS, three charter buses were on their way to Sweetwater for a playoff game against Springtown when the crash occurred near Big Spring. Previous reports indicated band members were traveling on those buses.
The buses were heading east on I-20 when a Ford F-350 traveling west in the same lane crashed head-on with the first bus. At this time, it is unknown what led the driver of the pickup to drive in the wrong direction.
As a result of the crash, two students and an adult traveling in the first bus were severely injured and airlifted to Lubbock Memorial Hospital.
The two students are reportedly in critical but stable condition. The adult succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. A second adult traveling on the bus and the driver of the pickup were pronounced dead at the scene. A total of 25 students and three adults were traveling on the first bus.
In addition to the victims who were airlifted, eleven students and one adult sustained significant injuries were transported to Big Spring Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The second charter bus was also struck by the pickup but only sustained minor damage. The third bus was not struck during the crash.
Governor Abbott issued the following statement in response to the crash.
"Our hearts go out to those who were injured or lost their lives in the bus crash in Big Spring, and we grieve for the families of those taken too soon. The Texas Department of Public Safety is working closely with local officials to investigate this accident, and the State of Texas is ready to provide any additional resources and support needed to Andrews ISD, Big Spring, and those affected by this tragedy. I thank the first responders who rushed to the scene to help those involved in the crash, and I ask Texans to join me and Cecilia in prayer for those involved in this horrific accident."
No further details have been released at this time as the crash remains under investigation.
Post a comment to this article here: