A tragic accident has claimed the life of one person and left multiple others seriously injured after acollege bus overturnedon Highway 4 in Calhoun County, Iowa. The incident, which occurred around 11:06 a.m. on Wednesday, involved a vehicle carrying members of the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, declaring a Mass Causality Incident due to the scale of the injuries.
The Iowa State Patrolconfirmedthat the bus veered off the road and rolled over into a ditch, with no other vehicles involved in the crash. At the time of the accident, 33 individuals were aboard the bus, all of whom have since been accounted for.
Thirty-two of the occupants were transported to local hospitals, with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Medical helicopters were deployed to assist in the evacuation of the most critically injured.
Iowa Lakes Community College confirmed that its baseball team was among those on board. The team was en route to a game against the North Arkansas Pioneers in Arkansas when the accident occurred.
The college issued a statement expressing deep concern and reaffirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of its students and staff. 'The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,' the statement read. 'The College is actively supporting those affected and communicating directly with families.'
KCCI drone footage shows the moment the Iowa Lakes Community College bus was returned upright by crews who responded to the crash scene Wednesday.Here's what we know so far:https://t.co/rB4QDxpg3ppic.twitter.com/BqTz0JZQdj
Local emergency responders, including fire departments, emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies, converged on the scene. Iowa Highway 4 was closed in both directions as crews worked to manage the aftermath of the crash. The investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing.
Representative Randy Feenstra of Iowa's 4th Congressional District, expressed his concern over the incident. 'I am grateful to our local law enforcement, Iowa state patrol, first responders, and medical professionals who have been quickly responding at the scene,' he said. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those involved.'
The North Arkansas Pioneers, the team scheduled to play against Iowa Lakes, released a message onFacebookurging their community to support those affected. 'We ask our entire community to please lift up everyone involved, their families, and the entire Iowa Lakes community in prayer during this difficult time.'
Source: International Business Times UK
