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Meigs school bus crash: 7-year-old girl and driver die in ‘heartbreaking’ tragedy as truck skids into wrong lane

Five other children were injured, including a student in critical condition, said officials

The Tennessee Highway Patrol has confirmed that two people have been killed in a school bus accident which happened in Meigs County, Tennessee, on Tuesday, October 27. The bus, which was carrying school students home for the day, was hit by a utility truck.

The utility truck heading north on Highway 58 reportedly swerved into the southbound lane where it ran into the bus head-on when the driver lost control, according to ABC. The incident happened on 7700 block of Highway 58 near the Bradley County line, about an hour northeast of Chattanooga.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol department tweeted, "The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating a double fatality crash involving a school bus and utility service vehicle at 7751 State Highway 58 in Meigs County, Tennessee. More info to come as updates become available. Our thoughts are with all parties involved." It added, "Press conference to be held for updates: 8:30 pm ET Meigs South Elementary School 9638 State Hwy 58 S Decatur, TN 37322 If signal allows, it will be streamed live from THP Facebook and Twitter accounts."

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke tweeted, "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news coming out of Meigs County this evening about a serious school bus crash. My thoughts are with these children and their families. Until we have more information, we will hope for the best and keep them in our prayers."

Some victims of the crash were taken to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga for treatment, said spokeswoman Allyson Cole. She did not provide an exact number of people being treated. A person who was on the scene told Channel 9 News that, "the crash involved a utility truck and the school bus. It’s not clear how many injuries there are at this time, but our source confirms there are multiple injuries".

As soon as the incident came to light, people started reacting to it. One Internet user said, "We should have more information on tragic Meigs County school bus crash in a few minutes from @TNHighwayPatrol. My heart goes out to families of those killed or injured, and also to police officers, EMS, dispatchers, first responders, and educators. This isn't easy for anyone," while another wrote, "2 of my kids are Meigs County graduates one just this past year. Pray for all those involved especially the ones that lost precious loved ones."

Meigs County's blood providing service, Blood Assurance, which came forward to help the victims, tweeted: "A Meigs County school bus was involved in an accident. Injuries reported. Blood Assurance Cleveland, Downtown Chatt, Gunbarrel, and Hixson open until 10pm. Appointments are required. Call 800-962-0628, text BAGIVE to 999777, or by visit http://bloodassurance.org/schedule for an appointment." Journalist Latricia Thomas shared a picture from outside the blood bank and wrote, "People waiting at @bloodassurance to donate to school bus crash victims."

Sharing the Highway Patrol's tweet, one said, "Absolutely heartbreaking." Journalist Isaiah Kim-Martinez shared video of the incident and said, "VIDEO: Right outside @ChildrensatEHS, we’ve seen 5 medical helicopters fly to land at the hospital. It’s not confirmed this is related to the bus crash, but speaks to the urgency of what’s going on here right now."

How to donate?

In order to donate blood to the victims, visit the official Twitter handle of Blood Assurance. You can make the appointments by calling on 800-962-0628 or leave a text BAGIVE to 999777. You can also schedule your visit online here.