Deadly School Bus Crash in Carroll County Claims Two Student Lives, Injures Many
A devastating school bus crash in Carroll County, Tennessee, on Friday resulted in the tragic deaths of two students and injuries to several other individuals. The incident, involving a school bus, a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) dump truck, occurred around noon on Highway 70. The bus was transporting students and adults from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip when the collision took place.
Two students from Kenwood Middle School were confirmed deceased at the scene of the crash.
Incident Details Emerge
The multi-vehicle collision occurred around noon on Friday on Highway 70 near Huntington in Carroll County. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash. Initial statements from the THP indicate that the TDOT dump truck does not appear to have been a contributing factor.
The school bus was transporting 25 Kenwood Middle STEM students and five adults. They were en route to Jackson, Tennessee, for a field trip to participate in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix, a Greenpower USA race competition. The TDOT dump truck involved in the collision had two adult occupants, and the Chevrolet Trailblazer had one occupant.
Casualties and Medical Response
Two students from Kenwood Middle School were confirmed deceased at the scene of the crash.
At least seven individuals sustained critical injuries and were transported by air ambulance to trauma centers located in Nashville and Memphis. Four of these patients were admitted to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville and were reported to be in stable condition as of Friday evening.
Additionally, 19 individuals with less severe injuries were transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County for evaluation and subsequently released. The school bus driver sustained severe injuries, underwent surgery, and is currently in recovery.
Community and Official Support
Following the incident, Governor Bill Lee released a statement calling for prayer for all individuals involved in the crash.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) announced the availability of counseling services for students and staff. Counselors were made available starting the following Monday at Kenwood Middle School and other CMCSS schools. Kenwood Middle School Principal Dr. Karen Miller informed families of the incident and acknowledged the support received from the community.
Prayer vigils were planned outside CMCSS schools for Monday, with participants encouraged to wear Kenwood Middle School’s black and gold colors in solidarity. The superintendent of Jackson-Madison County also released a statement regarding the incident.