Ohio high school bus crash: Three students among six dead in ‘mass casualty incident’ – latest

Three students of the Tuscarawas Valley High School died in the bus crash on Tuesday, the school district superintendent has confirmed.

The teenagers – Katelyn Owens, 15, Jeffery Worrell, 18, and John Mosely, 18 – were killed in the tragic incident, along with a high school teacher and two parent chaperones, Dr Derek Varansky told those gathered at a vigil at the Tuscarawas High School on Tuesday evening.

Dave Kennat, 56, Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45, were also killed in the crash.

Of the 20 students who were transported to the hospital following the incident, 18 have now been released. Two remain in hospital with “serious but non-life threatening” injuries.

“There are no words for the sheer magnitude of loss and grief felt by all of us,” Dr Varansky said.

The crash occurred around 8.15am. Those injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The bus was carrying 57 band students from Tuscarawas Valley Schools, located approximately 120 miles northeast of Columbus and around 43 miles south of Akron.

The accident shut down parts of I-70 at State Route 310 and westbound at State Route 158.

Key points

• Three dead and 15 injured in Ohio bus crash involving high schoolers

• Prayer vigil held at Tuscarawas Valley High School

• Three students among the six dead following Ohio bus crash

• All six victims of Ohio bus crash identified

‘One of the best guys I have ever met’: tributes to Ohio bus crash victims start flooding in

14:20 , Graig Graziosi

Tributes to the victims of a deadly Ohio bus crash that killed six people have flooded in.

The teenagers – Katelyn Owens, 15, Jeffery Worrell, 18, and John Wyatt Mosely, 18 – were killed in the tragic incident, along with a high school teacher and two parent chaperones.

One student called John Wyatt Mosely “one of the best guys I have ever met”. He was “always welcoming, funny, and always willing to share his opinion,” he added.

A post from the Tusky Valley Trojans in October said Mr Mosley was a member of the TVHS Marching Band, select choir, drama club and track team and that he planned to leave school and pursue acting before going to college to study computer programming.

Tuscarawas Valley High School to open on Wednesday

14:00 , Mike Bedigan

Superindentent Dr Derek Varansky said that despite the tragedy, Tuscarawas High School would be open on Wednesday, but that it would not be “a typical school day”.

“Those students on the bus who survived and will live with that traumatic experience into our entire district for the dark days, weeks, months to come,” he said, speaking at a prayer vigil at the school’s football stadium on Tuesday evening.

“Though difficult school will be in session tomorrow. And the reason for that is we don't want any kids at home by themselves. So our doors will be open.

“It will not be a typical school day. There will be many counselors and support staff from other community organisations here, but we also respect and honor anybody who would want to leave their kids home and for our staff who don't feel comfortable being here.”

What caused the bus crash?

13:40 , Martha Mchardy

The exact cause of the bus crash remains unknown, but the National Transportation Safety Board said they are investigating the incident and will visit the crash scene on Wednesday.

A preliminary investigation report is due to be published in a few weeks, said Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB. A more in-depth investigative report on the crash will not be ready for another 12 to 18 months.

While the incident is being investigated, questions remain over the safety of the charter bus, which belonged to Pioneer Trails, a bus company operating out of Millersburg.

The entity has a satisfactory safety rating, according to US Department of Transportation data. It has been involved in one other crash in the last 24 months that resulted in one injured person.

In a statement posted to Facebook, the business said it was cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the crash.

On average, four motorcoach passengers die in bus crashes each year in the US, 1999 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows.

Three students and three adults killed in Ohio school bus crash

13:20 , Martha Mchardy

Six people are reported dead and 15 others were left injured after a charter bus carrying high school band students collided with a semi-truck in Ohio on Tuesday morning.

Sean Grady, director of Licking County Emergency Management, confirmed the number of fatalities and injured to The Independent, but directed further questions to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

During vigil Tuesday evening at the Tusky Valley Middle-High School stadium, Dr Derek Varansky, superintendent of Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, said that pupils and chaperones from the school were on their way to the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

Michelle Del Rey reports:

Three students and three adults killed in Ohio school bus crash

Superintendent says bus crash was ‘the worst day of my life'

13:00 , Mike Bedigan

Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools superintendent Dr Derek Varansky said that Tuesday was “the worst day of my life”.

Adressing those gathered at a prayer vigil on Tuesday night he said: “I stand before you tonight really without the words to say in a stadium that's usually full of excitement and loud noises.

“Tonight it is silent and it's a dark day in our district.

“Today began as an exciting day as our high school band would travel to Columbus to present at the Ohio School Boards Association Conference – a once in a lifetime event.

“And then it quickly turned into the darkest day and one of the darkest days in our districts history and the worst day of my life.”

Victims of Ohio bus crash identified

12:40 , Martha Mchardy

A 15-year old student was one of the six people that was killed in the bus crash.

School district superintendent Dr Derek Varansky named the victims in a vigil held at the Tuscarawas High School on Tuesday evening.

Three teenagers – Katelyn Owens, 15, Jeffery Worrell, 18, and John Mosely, 18 – were among the dead.

High school teacher Dave Kennat, 56, and parent chaperones Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45, were also killed in the incident, Dr Varansky said.

Watch: Hundreds attend vigil at local high school to honour victims of Ohio bus crash

12:20 , Martha Mchardy

All but two of the injured students discharged from hospital

12:00 , Martha Mchardy

Some 18 students who were injured in an Ohio bus crash have been discharged from hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A bus carrying students, teachers and parent chaperones was on its way to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus on Tuesday when it crashed, killing six people and injuring another 20 students.

Three teenagers – Katelyn Owens, 15, Jeffery Worrell, 18, and John Mosely, 18 – were killed in the tragic incident, along with a high school teacher and two parent chaperones.

Watch: Smoke rises from wreckage of Ohio bus crash that killed six and injured 20

11:40 , Martha Mchardy

Hundreds gather a vigil to mourn six killed in Ohio bus crash

11:15 , Martha Mchardy

Hundreds gathered at the Tuscarawas Valley School District football stadium for a vigil on Tuesday for the six victims of an Ohio bush crash.

Three teenagers – Katelyn Owens, 15, Jeffery Worrell, 18, and John Mosely, 18 – were killed in the tragic incident, along with a high school teacher and two parent chaperones.

The students and chaperones were on their way to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus. The high school band was scheduled to perform at the conference.

Derek Varansky, the school district superintendent, called it the “worst day of his life,” as he addressed the vigil on Tuesday.

He added that the students who passed away were “bright lights, full of life and they lost their lives way too young.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Rae, pastor of the Bolivar Community Church, said he spent the afternoon with a boy from his church whose mother died in the crash.

“His innocence, his rose-colored glasses that he had of this world were removed when he sat in the living room and heard his dad share the news that Mom would not be coming home anymore. And that’s the news your students heard this morning,” he said.

“In Tusky Valley, even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death this evening, I’m encourage that you’ve come to love on each other,” he added.

Six candles were lit at the vigil, one for each of the victims.

Six reported dead in Ohio high school bus crash

11:00 , Mike Bedigan

Six people have been confirmed dead – including three teenage students – following a serious bus crash in Ohio.

Fifteen others were left injured after a charter bus carrying high school band students collided with a semi-truck near to the city of Columbus on Tuesday morning.

A vigil in honour of the victims, which also included a school teacher and two parent chaperones, was held at the Tuscarawas High School on Tuesday evening.

Authorities say an investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Michelle Del Rey has the full story.

Three students and three adults killed in Ohio school bus crash

In pictures: Vigil held for victims of Ohio bush crash that killed 6

10:38 , Martha Mchardy

Governor orders flags to be flown at half-mast following crash

09:00 , Mike Bedigan

Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio has ordered Tuscarawas County government buildings and the Ohio Statehouse to fly their flags at half mast in the wake of a fatal accident involving several vehicles, including a bus full of high school band students.

Mr DeWine said “It is our worst nightmare to have a bus full of children involved in such a terrible crash, and it is certainly the worst nightmare that families and schools can endure” in a post on X/Twitter on Tuesday.

Pictures from the scene of the Ohio bus crash

07:00 , Mike Bedigan

Full statement from the Ohio Highway Patrol

05:01 , Mike Bedigan

The Granville Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving a charter bus, two commercial vehicles and two passenger vehicles in Etna Township, Licking County. The crash occurred on Interstate 70 near state Route 310 at 8:52 a.m.

At this time, the investigation has revealed the vehicles were all traveling westbound on I-70 when the chain-reaction crash occurred. At least three of the vehicles subsequently caught fire as a result of the crash.

The charter bus was occupied by a driver and 54 students and chaperones from Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools. Three of the passengers on the bus were pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased were identified as John W. Mosely, 18, Mineral City, Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, Bolivar, and Katelyn N. Owens, 15, Mineral City. A total of 15 students and the bus driver were transported to area hospitals. The remaining students were taken to a reunification site.

One of the passenger vehicles was occupied by three individuals. All three were pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased were identified as Dave Kennat, 56, Navarre, Kristy Gaynor, 39, Zoar, and Shannon Wigfield, 45, Bolivar.

Of the two commercial vehicles involved, one driver was transported to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The other was treated and released at the scene. The driver of the second passenger vehicle was also transported to an area hospital.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol at (614) 466-2660.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by and would like to thank Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp and Licking County deputies, Tuscarawas Sheriff Orvis Campbell and Tuscarawas County deputies, West Licking Fire Department and EMS, Licking County Coroner’s Office, Jae’s Towing, Ohio Department of Transportation, and multiple other agencies.

Footage shows severely damaged bus being towed from crash scene

03:00 , Mike Bedigan

Crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation cleaning crash scene

02:15 , Mike Bedigan

Crews from the Ohio Department of Transportation cleaning crash scene.

The department said that, while the east bound section of the highway had been repopened, the west bound lanes would remain closed while pavements were repaired.

Students join hands and walk across football field at prayer vigil

00:58 , Mike Bedigan

Following the conclusion of the vigil, students joined hands and walked across the football field.

Many could be heard sobbing loudly.

Victims of Ohio bus crash identified

00:44 , Mike Bedigan

A 15-year old student was one of the six people that was killed in the bus crash.

School district superintendent Dr Derek Varansky named the victims in a vigil held at the Tuscarawas High School on Tuesday evening.

Three teenagers – Katelyn Owens, 15, Jeffery Worrell, 18, and John Mosely, 18 – were among the dead.

High school teacher Dave Kennat, 56, and parent chaperones Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45, were also killed in the incident, Dr Varansky said.

Three students among the dead following Ohio bus crash - school confirms

00:35 , Mike Bedigan

Three students of the Tuscarawas Valley High School died in the bus crash on Tuesday, a the school district superintendent has confirmed.

It was also confirmed that one teacher and two parent chaperones had also died.

Of the 20 students that were transported to hospital following the incident, 18 have now been released. Two remain in hospital with “serious but non-life threatening” injuries.

“Our hearts are broken for the tragic accident that happened today involving members of our high school band on their way to perform at the Ohio civil Association Conference,” Dr Derek Varansky said, addressing the vigil.

“We are saddened to share that we lost three students in the accident. Students who were bright lights full of life and who lost their lives way too young.

“In addition, a car following the bus, which contained one of our teachers in two parents chaperones were involved in the accident. And tragically all three lost their lives.

“There are no words for the sheer magnitude of loss in grief felt by all of us.”

Images from prayer vigil following Ohio bus crash

00:13 , Mike Bedigan

Hundreds gather at local football stadium for prayer vigil

00:07 , Mike Bedigan

Hundreds of people gathered at the Tuscarawas Valley High School football stadium on Tuesday night for a prayer vigil in honour of the victims of the bus crash and their families.

Band students from the Tuscarawas Valley School district were onboard the bus that was involved in the fatal accident.

Six candles were placed on a tressel table in front of the bleachers. Authorities have confirmed that six people have died in the tragic accident.

Ohio congressman sends prayers to victims of crash

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:54 , Mike Bedigan

Congressman Troy Balderson, of Ohio’s 12th Congressional District, added his condolences to the victims of the crash.

“I am devastated to hear about the terrible crash on I-70 involving a semitruck and a bus carrying students. My prayers are with all those involved, and I will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Mr Balderson wrote on X.

GoFundMe page set up to support crash victims and their families

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:33 , Mike Bedigan

A GoFundMe page, set up by local business owner in Bolivar, Ohio, has raised over $3,000 in just four hours.

The page, set up by Tara Risner – owner of Haven Shala – is raising funds to support the families of the crash.

“Today our community is devastated after the fatal accident involving Tusky Valley Band students, chaperones, & faculty.Our hearts are so heavy,” the page description read.

“We send our love & support to the victims and families of all who were involved. Please support our community, and donate towards recovery efforts. All proceeds will go toward the Tusky Valley Band & families.”

‘I’m sick to my stomach’ – locals react to crash news

Tuesday 14 November 2023 23:01 , Mike Bedigan

Parents expressed their shock and dismay at news of the crash as they picked up their children from the Tuscarawas Valley Middle-High School on Tuesday morning.

"I'm sick. I'm sick to my stomach," parent Laurie Fragasse told The Columbus Dispatch.

Ms Fragasse’s daughter, Camrynn, an eighth grader, said she was scared and sad. “I don’t really know how to feel right now,” she said.

Part of highway reopened while investigation continues

Tuesday 14 November 2023 22:37 , Mike Bedigan

As of about 4:30 pm local time onTuesday, eastbound lanes of I-70 had reopened, while authorities continue to investigate the fatal crash.

Governor Mike DeWine said that the investigation would take some time.

Matt Bruning, spokeperson for the Ohio Department of Transportation said pavement repairs would be needed on westbound lanes on the I-70 where the crash occurred because of the fire that resulted and its impact on the pavement.

A construction crew is standing by to make those repairs as quickly as possible, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

Prayer vigil planned for victims of bus crash

Tuesday 14 November 2023 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

A prayer vigil is being planned for the victims and the families of the victims of a fatal bus accident that ocurred outside Columbus, according to Cleveland 19.

The prayer vigil will take place at 7pm on Tuesday evening for the Tuscarawas County community. It will be held at the school district’s football stadium.

Band students from the Tuscarawas Valley School district were onboard the bus that was involved in the fatal accident. Six people have been confirmed dead in the wake of the accident, though their identities have not been made public at the time of this post.

Images from the fatal Ohio bus crash

Tuesday 14 November 2023 21:45 , Graig Graziosi

Bus company is ‘cooperating’ with crash investigation

Tuesday 14 November 2023 21:25 , Graig Graziosi

Pioneer Trails, the company that provided the bus carrying high school students involved in the fatal crash outside Columbus, released a statement saying it was cooperating with law enforcement’s investigation.

“Pioneer is fully cooperating with the authorities as we work to find the cause of the accident,” the company’s statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by this accident. As this is an ongoing investigation, there will be no further comments.”

According to a Columbus Dispatch analysis, the company has a satisfactory rating from the US Department of Transportation following inspections, meaning there is no evidence that the company is noncompliant with safety standards.

The company’s busses have only been involved in one other accident that caused an injury in the last 24 months, according to USDOT data.

Death toll climbs to six in fiery bus crash near Columbus

Tuesday 14 November 2023 21:06 , Graig Graziosi

Local officials have told The Independent that six people have died in a crash involving semi-trucks and a charter bus filled with high school band students on their way to perform at a conference.

Licking County Emergency management director Sean Grady confirmed to The Independent that six people have died as a result of the crash on Tuesday.

At least four vehicles were involved in the crash. It is unclear if those killed were from the bus or were other motorists involved in the incident.

READ MORE:

Six reported dead in Ohio high school bus crash

Lt Governor releases statement after bus crash

Tuesday 14 November 2023 20:49 , Graig Graziosi

Lt Governor John Husted released a statement offering his condolences following a multi-vehicle accident that involved a charter bus full of high school band students.

“Tina and I would like to send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the victims and their families involved in the crash in Licking County this morning which involved students from Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools. We hope all who are injured in the crash may have a swift and complete recovery,” he wrote.

WATCH: Smoke rises from wreckage of Ohio bus crash that killed four, injured 15

Tuesday 14 November 2023 19:55 , Graig Graziosi

American Red Cross sends blood to area hospital treating crash victims

Tuesday 14 November 2023 19:40 , Graig Graziosi

The American Red Cross of Central and Southern Ohio reportedly fulfilled a request for blood from a hospital in the area of the crash that reportedly killed four and injured at least 15 others on Tuesday.

The organisation sent 30 units to a hospital in the Mount Carmel Health System, according to Marita Salkowski, the regional communications director for the Red Cross chapter.

Tuesday 14 November 2023 19:25 , Graig Graziosi

A reunification site has been established at the Etna United Methodist Church for families of those impacted by the crash on Tuesday.

Of the 57 people on the charter bus, 34 students were taken to the reunification site. Those taken to the site were not injured in the crash.

“There’s been a steady stream of parents arriving since I got here around noon though,” Don Hawkins Regional Communications Manager Red Cross, told The Independent.

Ohio School Board Association cancels conference after crash

Tuesday 14 November 2023 19:10 , Graig Graziosi

The Ohio School Board Association announced Tuesday it was cancelling its conference in response to the crash involving high school band members.

The band students were on their way to Columbus to perform at the conference when the accident occurred, according to police reports.

“Right now, our focus is on providing support to Tuscarawas Valley. That includes making grief counselors from our trade show available. We are praying for the entire Tuscarawas Valley family,” the association said in a statement.

At least two semi-trucks were involved in fiery crash

Tuesday 14 November 2023 18:55 , Graig Graziosi

Local press at the scene of the crash are reporting that two of the vehicles involved in the crash were semi-trucks. One truck rear-ended a charter bus carrying high school band students.

A car was also reportedly involved in the crash, according to WSYX.

The collision caused the bus to catch fire, the broadcaster reports.

18 people transported to local hospitals from crash site, more vehicles involved

Tuesday 14 November 2023 18:40 , Graig Graziosi

Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady told WBNS CBS 10 that five vehicles were involved in the fatal crash, and that 18 people from the bus had been taken to seven nearby hospitals.

It is unclear if all 18 of the individuals transported to nearby hospitals were injured.

Governor Mike DeWine offers condolences to victims

Tuesday 14 November 2023 18:15 , Graig Graziosi

Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio offered his condolences to the victims of a bus crash that reportedly killed four people. The bus involved in the accident was carrying high school band students from the Tuscarawas Valley Schools in northeast Ohio.

A fourth individual is reportedly dead

Tuesday 14 November 2023 17:50 , Graig Graziosi

A fourth person has reportedly died following a traffic accident in which a semi-truck rear-ended a bus filled with high schoolers.

Sean Grady, the Licking County Emergency Management Director, confirmed to The Independent that a fourth person had died.

The bus was carrying nearly 60 band students, instructors, and chaperones from Tuscarawas Valley Schools, a district near Akron, Ohio.

Students involved in crash were from Tuscarawas Valley Schools in northeast Ohio

Tuesday 14 November 2023 17:18 , Graig Graziosi

The students involved in the crash were band members from the Tuscarawas Valley Schools district in northeast Ohio, according to their superintendent.

Dr Derek Varansky confirmed Tuesday morning that the district’s students were involved in the crash:

Dear Tusky Valley School Community, I have devastating and heartbreaking news to report.

Today, a charter bus carrying Tusky Valley students and chaperones on the way to the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus was involved in a very serious accident. We understand from law enforcement that there may be multiple serious injuries and we are working to learn the details. We will share news with you as we are able, including our plans for upcoming school days and events. Right now, our focus is on getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community. Our Trojan family is strong, and it will take that strength and love to get throughout these coming challenging days.

What is a ‘mass casualty incident'

Tuesday 14 November 2023 17:06 , Graig Graziosi

The Columbus Dispatch reported that local dispatchers had referred to the bus crash just outside the city as a “mass casualty incident, level 3.”

In this instance, the word “casualty” refers to individuals who have either been killed or injured.

The designation indicates that 10 or more people may have been injured in a single incident, and warns fire, paramedics, and local hospitals around the region to be ready in the event they are needed for assistance.

Police have confirmed that three people involved in the crash have died. There were 57 people on the bus, according to the Associated Press.

Welcome to the live blog

Tuesday 14 November 2023 16:54 , Graig Graziosi

Welcome to The Indepdendent’s live coverage of a fatal collision involving a bus filled with high school students just outside of Columbus, Ohio.

Three people are dead and 15 others were left injured after a charter bus carrying high school students collided with a semi truck in Ohio on Tuesday morning.

According to local media in Licking County, the bus was transporting students from a school in eastern Ohio. Approximately 57 people were on board when the truck rear-ended the bus around 8.30am on Interstate 70 West.

READ MORE:

Three dead and 15 injured in Ohio bus crash involving high schoolers