News Summary
A serious crash involving a school bus carrying the Minco High School softball team left multiple individuals hospitalized. The bus driver swerved to avoid a deer, causing a rollover that ejected several passengers. The community remains in shock as they support those affected and offer assistance to the injured members of the team.
Minco: School Bus Crash Injures Multiple Softball Team Members
Overview of the Incident
Minco, Oklahoma — A school bus carrying members of the Minco High School softball team and staff was involved in a serious crash late Monday evening, resulting in multiple injuries and community concern. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the accident occurred just before 8 p.m. on State Highway 152 near Cogar, leaving several individuals hospitalized and prompting an emergency response.
Details of the Crash
The bus was driven by Minco’s head high school softball coach, Cody Schmidt. Authorities report that the vehicle swerved to the left in an attempt to avoid hitting a deer, which caused the bus to strike the animal and rollover once before coming to rest on its wheels. The rollover was violent enough to eject four of the 18 occupants from the bus.
Among those aboard, only the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The bus apparently did not have seatbelts available for the passengers, which contributed to the severity of some injuries.
Injuries Reported
- Seven individuals were injured in total, including the driver and six passengers.
- Three people are reported to be in critical condition, with one adult male in life-threatening condition. His identity has not been disclosed.
- Two juveniles are also listed as critically injured.
- Additional non-serious injuries were sustained by two adults and two students, who are currently stable and recovering.
Community and School Response
Minco school district superintendent Kevin Sims expressed the community’s shock upon learning of the accident. He also conveyed relief that no fatalities have been reported so far. The community responded quickly, with plans for a prayer meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening on the softball field, providing a space for support and reflection.
School officials announced that classes would resume on Wednesday, despite the disruption caused by the incident. However, Homecoming festivities have been postponed. The parade has been rescheduled for October 2, and the homecoming football game will now take place on October 3.
Support and Fundraising Efforts
The community is encouraged to support the softball team and those affected by the crash. Donations can be made through the First National Bank and Trust in Minco to aid the team’s recovery efforts. Additionally, a Meal Train has been set up to assist Coach Jordan Benge, who remains in critical condition after undergoing multiple procedures following the accident.
Personal Accounts and Additional Information
Survivor Presley Bilderback shared her experience of the crash, expressing relief that all individuals involved survived despite the harrowing nature of the rollover. The incident has left a lasting impact on the community, emphasizing the importance of safety during travel.
Summary
The Minco High School softball team was involved in a significant bus accident that resulted in multiple injuries, including critical cases. The accident was caused by the bus driver’s attempt to avoid a deer, leading to a rollover on State Highway 152. The community continues to provide support for those affected while school activities adapt to the situation. Authorities continue their investigation, and medical personnel are providing care to the injured as community members rally together in the aftermath of this unexpected event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KOCO News
- Wikipedia: School Bus Accident
- KFOR News
- Google Search: Minco school bus crash
- The Oklahoman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus Safety
- Hindustan Times
- Google News: Minco Bus Crash
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