A tour bus carrying approximately 50 high school students from three different school districts overturned in Laclede County on Wednesday morning. The single-vehicle accident occurred on Highway A near Phillipsburg during a period of heavy rainfall. Ten students were transported to medical facilities with what officials have described as minor injuries.
The students, from Bolivar, Fair Play, and Dadeville schools, were en route to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis when the incident happened. Authorities confirmed the bus slid off the road before rolling onto its side. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene to provide assistance.
Key Takeaways
- A tour bus carrying about 50 high school students crashed Wednesday morning in Laclede County, Missouri.
- The accident was a single-vehicle rollover on Highway A near Phillipsburg, attributed to heavy rain and slick road conditions.
- Ten students sustained minor injuries and were taken for medical evaluation.
- The students were traveling to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.
- Uninjured students were safely transported to Conway High School for reunification with their families.
Details of the Incident
The accident took place on a curvy section of Highway A, a roadway that can become challenging in adverse weather. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the heavy rain created slick conditions that contributed to the driver losing control of the vehicle.
Corporal Ralicia Tyler, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop I, stated that the bus slid off the roadway before overturning. The vehicle came to rest on its side in a ditch, prompting an immediate and coordinated response from local emergency crews, including the Conway Volunteer Fire Department and state troopers.
First responders worked to safely evacuate all passengers from the overturned bus. The focus was on assessing injuries and ensuring the well-being of every student and adult on board. Of the roughly 50 students, 10 were identified as needing further medical attention for minor injuries and were subsequently transported to nearby hospitals.
Accident by the Numbers
- Passengers: Approximately 50 high school students
- Injuries: 10 students with minor injuries
- Location: Highway A near Phillipsburg, Laclede County
- Destination: National FFA Convention in Indianapolis
- Involved Schools: Bolivar, Fair Play, and Dadeville
Coordinated Emergency Response
The response to the crash was swift. Multiple agencies arrived on the scene to manage the situation. The Missouri State Highway Patrol secured the area and began its investigation into the cause of the accident, while fire and medical personnel attended to the students.
A crucial part of the post-accident plan involved managing the students who were not injured. Officials arranged for these students to be transported from the crash site to a safe, secondary location. Conway High School was designated as the reunification center, providing a sheltered and controlled environment for students to await their parents.
Both the Bolivar Schools and Fair Play School District issued statements confirming that their students were being brought back home from the reunification center in Conway. School administrators and counselors were made available to support students and families affected by the unsettling event.
The National FFA Convention
The National FFA Convention & Expo is one of the largest student conventions in the world, drawing tens of thousands of members from across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The event is a culmination of a year of hard work for FFA members, offering competitions, leadership workshops, and career development opportunities. For many students, attending is a highlight of their high school experience.
Weather a Likely Factor
Heavy rain and windy conditions were reported throughout the region on Wednesday morning, creating hazardous driving conditions. Authorities have indicated that the weather was a significant factor in the bus sliding off the road. An official investigation is underway to confirm the exact sequence of events leading to the crash.
"The accident occurred when the tour bus slid off a curvy road in heavy rain and rolled on its side," said Corporal Ralicia Tyler of the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop I, providing an initial assessment at the scene.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving in severe weather, even for professional drivers in large vehicles. Highway Patrol officials often advise motorists to reduce speed and increase following distance during heavy downpours to prevent hydroplaning and loss of control.
Community and School District Response
The affected school districts have been praised for their quick communication with parents and their organized efforts to ensure student safety following the crash. By establishing a clear reunification point and providing transportation, they helped manage a chaotic situation effectively.
Parents were notified through school communication channels and directed to Conway High School. The process was handled with sensitivity to minimize anxiety for both students and their families. The trip to the FFA convention has been canceled for the involved students as they return home to recover.
Officials have not released further details pending the completion of their investigation. The focus remains on the well-being of the students involved and providing support to their families. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
