Authorities in Bastrop County, Texas, are investigating a devastating incident that resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a young child. The tragedy unfolded when a concrete truck collided head-on with a school bus carrying pre-K children returning from a field trip.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Deon Cockrell, the school bus was traveling westbound on State Highway 21 when it was struck by the concrete truck traveling in the opposite direction. Tragically, one child on the bus and an adult passenger in a vehicle behind the bus lost their lives in the collision.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, where a total of 53 patients were evaluated. Four individuals were transported to hospitals in critical condition, while six others were deemed to be in potentially serious condition. The remaining individuals sustained minor injuries and were either taken to hospitals or to a unification center.
While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have indicated that there is no evidence suggesting the truck driver was under the influence at the time of the crash.
The Hays Consolidated Independent School district confirmed that 44 pre-K students and 11 adults from Tom Green Elementary were on the bus returning from a field trip to the Bastrop Zoo. School personnel, including staff, administrators, counselors, safety, and security personnel, responded to the scene to provide support.
In a heartfelt letter to the school community, Superintendent Eric Wright expressed his profound sorrow over the loss of the young boy and the adult passenger. He praised the teachers and school staff for their actions during the tragic event, highlighting the bus driver's selfless decision to prioritize the children's well-being despite her own injuries.
