On November 14th, shortly after 9 a.m., devastating news struck Licking County, Ohio, as a tragic car collision unfolded, killing six and leaving 18 others sent to a nearby hospital.
This catastrophic chain-reaction crash unfolded on Interstate 70 in Licking County, Ohio between a school bus, a tractor-trailer truck and three passenger cars. A total of 57 individuals, including students, chaperones, and drivers, were onboard the bus. They were en route to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus, when all of a sudden, the collision occurred.
In the aftermath of the collision, at least three vehicles erupted in flames, creating a scene of unimaginable chaos and destruction. The cause for the crash is currently under investigation, but witnesses claim the tractor trailer had rear-ended the school bus, leading to a devastating chain reaction. Emergency services swiftly responded, with local hospitals treating 15 students, the charter bus driver, and two additional wounded individuals from one of the other vehicles.
Sadly, three students on the charter bus lost their lives in the crash, two were only 18 years old and the other even younger at 15 years old. Even worse, three adults from one of the passenger vehicles perished as well. The close-knit community of Tuscarawas Valley now faces the painful task of mourning the loss of these cherished lives.
As the wreckage is painstakingly cleared from Interstate 70, the investigative process begins. Governor Mike DeWine declared the crash a state tragedy, ordering flags at half-staff as a solemn tribute to the victims. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, anticipates a comprehensive investigation that could take 12 to 18 months to complete.
In the wake of this devastating news, the Ohio School Boards Association announced the cancellation of the remaining day of their annual conference. Superintendent Derek Varansky expressed his sorrows stating, "Our focus is on providing support to Tuscarawas Valley. Our Trojan family is strong, and it will take that strength and love to get through these coming challenging days."
Current2’s love and prayers goes out to the entire community of Tuscarawas Valley during this difficult time.
Sources:
At least 6 dead after Ohio chain-reaction crash involving a bus carrying students | NBC News
Ohio crash: What we know about the charter bus, truck collision leaving 6 dead, 18 injured | USA Today
Six dead, 18 sent to hospitals after Ohio highway crash | Reuters
