Dozens of elementary school students from Oklahoma were injured when the school bus they were taking to San Antonio, Texas, crashed.
The driver of one of two buses transporting fifth-graders from Cleveland Elementary School in Norman, Oklahoma, to Sea World in San Antonio, lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a rollover crash, News 9 reported.
The accident took place in Lampasas, Texas, along highway 281, just after 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, according to the report.
Officials said the bus that rolled over struck a fence connected to the Lampasas Airport grounds.
The bus that crashed was carrying all girls. There were reportedly 27 passengers on board.
“They saw their friends get put in an ambulance ... they just were holding hands and praying,” said Christi Robberson, whose daughter Alina was on the bus when it rolled over.
“She said the only thing she knew was that the bus flipped and they were in an accident,” said Robberson.
Esmi Careaga, a Fox 7 Austin reporter, posted a video of a tow truck hauling away the damaged bus.
“A bus carrying all girls from Norman Oklahoma was involved in a roll-over crash along highway 281,” Careaga tweeted. “26 passengers were taken to nearby hospitals. No fatalities. Police are still investigating what led up to the crash but say weather may have contributed.”
The second school bus was not involved in the accident and was taken to Lampasas Middle School.
Norman Public Schools released a statement on the situation, detailing the extent of injuries.
“As a precaution, all students involved in the accident have been transported to nearby medical facilities. Two individuals are being treated for nonlife-threatening injuries. District officials have been in close communication with students’ parents and local law enforcement. Student safety is our top priority and we are thankful for the emergency responders who have quickly responded to the scene. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.”
Robberson said that aside from several cuts and a feeling of nausea, her daughter was unharmed.
“I’m assuming it’s just nerves but they’re keeping her back,” said Robberson, according to News 9.
She said the community in Lampasas was providing assistance to the victims.
“I do know the town of Lampasas has really come together and feeding everyone and sending people from the community to just be there with the kids,” said Robberson.
The Texas Department of Transportation Brownwood District tweeted an alert on lane closure due to the crash.
“US 281 North of Lampasas, near the Lampasas Airport, is temporarily shut down due to a vehicle crash.”
