Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are investigating a two vehicle crash that left a bus driver and a student dead and several other people injured on Tuesday.
The crash occurred around 4:38 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, in Muddy Creek Township, Pennsylvania.
A school bus and a semi truck were both traveling north on I-79 when the bus reportedly collided with the rear of the semi truck near mile marker 99.6.
🚨#BREAKING: Numerous children injured following serious school bus crash in Pittsburgh
📌#Pittsburgh l #PA
Emergency personnel have requested medical helicopters to the scene, which are now en route. Interstate 79 has been closed while further agencies continue to stage. pic.twitter.com/4axDtPRHM4
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 2, 2021
A fourteen year old girl and the thirty-one year old school bus driver died as a result of the crash.
Five students were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.
The truck driver wasn’t hurt.
Approximately ten students from the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School were aboard the bus at the time of the crash.
The school released the following statement on Wednesday morning:
Today Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School mourns the loss of one of our precious students and a dedicated bus driver. Words cannot express the true gravity of this tragic event.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the two families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy.
Out of respect for the privacy of the families, we will not release any personal information at this time.
Our school is open today and will remain open to meet the needs of our students and staff. Additional grief counselors and support staff will also be on hand to help our students navigate through this tragic time.
We ask for patience and prayers as we come together as a community.
PSP says that the crash investigation is in the early stages and more information will be released later.
Northbound I-79 was closed all afternoon and night for cleanup and investigation of the crash. All lanes reopened around 5 a.m. on Wednesday.