Authorities have provided more details regarding the fiery bus crash that involved an Iowa school's girls' basketball team members.
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) said that the team was riding on a van-sized bus that tried to turn north on Highway 75 from C-80 shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. However, it then collided with a southbound Jeep Compass, resulting in the injury of several individuals, who were transported to hospitals via ambulances and helicopters.
More Details Emerge About Bus Crash Involving Girls' Basketball Team
Previous reports noted that the bus was damaged on its driver's side and that the southbound car burst into flames at the time the emergency personnel arrived at the scene. The sheriff's release did not give details on whether or not anyone had been charged in relation to the crash.
The bus was reportedly carrying the Lady Hawks squad of the Remsen St. Mary's High School back to the school from a scrimmage. After the incident, the Catholic school held a rosary for the victims after its Saturday afternoon Mass, according to the Des Moines Register.
Additionally, people who were connected to the other girls' basketball programs across Iowa posted comments on the school's Facebook page, where they expressed sorrow and support amid this difficult time.
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In a Sunday post, the school said that over the weekend, they felt the power of every prayer lifting their school family. It added that they were humbled and touched by the love and support that surrounded towns and neighboring schools have given them.
The PCSO said that it was not making the names of the individuals involved in the fiery crash public at the moment. The PCSO is working with the Iowa State Patrol on the investigation of the crash, which is still ongoing, WHO13 reported.
Investigating the Accident
The Diocese of Sioux City also gave an update on the incident on behalf of Remsen St. Mary Parish and School. It said that they are continuing to pray for and are monitoring the conditions of the people who were injured in the fiery crash.
Because of the number of individuals who needed medical attention following the incident, Hinton Fire Rescue said that several agencies were called in to assist. Authorities said all of the patients were triaged according to the severity of their injuries and later transported by available units.
In a Facebook post, Hinton Fire Rescue expressed its gratitude to all of the agencies that provided assistance, particularly for their swift response to the accident, as per KCCI.
