Twenty-one students hospitalized after Aliquippa school bus crash
- A bus carrying the Aliquippa Junior High football team crashed while en route to a game, resulting in injuries.
- Twenty-one of the 28 people on board were hospitalized, including the bus driver.
- The incident has garnered community attention and support, highlighting the need for improved road safety.
In Economy, Pennsylvania, a school bus carrying a junior high football team was involved in a serious crash on Saturday morning. The bus, which was transporting the Aliquippa Junior High School football players to a game, had a total of 28 occupants, including 25 students, the driver, and two adults. The crash occurred at about 11 a.m. local time on Shaffer Road, where the bus reportedly turned over and struck a hillside and utility pole. Emergency responders took at least 21 of the students and the driver to local hospitals where their medical conditions remain unclear. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, noting that the bus veered off the road on a dangerous bend. Police Chief Michael O'Brien indicated the zone is known for its challenges due to the road's difficult layout. The community reacted swiftly, with the Aliquippa School District Superintendent, Dr. Phillip K. Woods, heading to hospitals to check on the injured students. Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences and support for the families affected by the incident, highlighting the role of football in uniting the Aliquippa community. A local vigil was planned later in the evening for concerned residents to come together in solidarity for those impacted by the event. Overall, the bus crash has deeply affected the entire community, emphasizing the need for safety in school transport.