Pittsburgh Bus Crash: 21 Junior High Students Hospitalized
Aliquippa Community Rallies After Junior High Football Team Bus Crash
ALIQUIPPA, Pa. – The close-knit community of Aliquippa is rallying around its junior high school football team after a bus carrying the players to a game was involved in a crash Saturday morning. The accident, which occurred around 11 a.m. on Shaffer Road in Economy Borough, left several players injured and sent shockwaves through the town.
According to Economy Borough Police Chief Michael O’Brien,the bus was carrying 28 people,including 25 children,the bus driver,and two adults.At least 21 children and the driver were transported to area hospitals for treatment.UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh received 20 patients from the crash. A hospital spokesperson confirmed that all but one of the children have been discharged. The remaining child required surgery but is expected to make a full recovery. Allegheny general Hospital received two patients from the crash, and their conditions remain unknown.
Details surrounding the crash are still under investigation, but a source close to the investigation told KDKA-TV that the bus veered off the road while rounding a bend, striking a hillside. The impact caused the bus to briefly tip before landing upright. The bus also struck a utility pole,bringing down live wires that the players had to avoid while exiting the vehicle.Aliquippa School District Superintendent Dr. Phillip K. Woods rushed to the hospital to be with the students and their families.
“When somthing like this happens to our babies, everybody should respond without question,” said Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker in a news briefing. “I know the city of Aliquippa is grateful. I know the families are grateful. We are eternally grateful.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has offered his governance’s full support to Aliquippa, stating, “Football brings the Aliquippa community together – and I know those who prepared to cheer on their team today are already stepping in to care for their neighbors and check in on the families affected. The entire community is in our thoughts today.”
A vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Plan 12 playground, providing a space for the community to come together in support of the team and their families. The incident has deeply affected Aliquippa, a town known for its strong sense of community and pride in its football program. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the well-being of the injured players and their families, with the entire town offering its support during this difficult time.