A routine trip home quickly turned into a horrific scene when a school bus packed with elementary schoolers overturned on a Mississippi highway.
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A Lowndes County School District bus was driving on Highway 45 around 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 15 when it collided with a Honda Civic, causing the bus to roll over and eject the students, according to WTVA.
The outlet reported that the bus was carrying 22 students ages 6 to 11.
Mississippi Highway Patrol reported that 18 people were injured, including both involved drivers.
Witness Nikki Cooperwood watched the crash and rushed to the scene to remove children from the bus. "Once it stopped, I just jumped out of my vehicle," Cooperwood told WTVA. "I was praying nobody was on the bus."
"But once I got out, you could hear the kids screaming and hollering," Cooperwood said. "I ran to start getting some of the kids off the bus. I got a few out through the window."
Bystanders Help Rescue Students From Overturned School Bus
Cooperwood said that two men later assisted her with the rescue. Once they pried the emergency exit door open, they were able to retrieve all the students.
Sixteen children were injured in the crash, including a student who was airlifted to a hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.
Troopers said one student was airlifted from the scene to Birmingham, Alabama. Two additional students were later airlifted for further medical evaluation from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus to Children's of Mississippi in Jackson. Both involved drivers were also transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital, WJTV reported.
Lowndes County School District Superintendent Dr. Sam Allison stated on Sept. 16: "We are thankful today the outcome of Tuesday's bus accident was not more tragic. Several of those involved face a road to recovery, and we ask you to keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead."
"We also want to thank the first responders who answered the call. We are grateful for their quick response, service and care in the aftermath of the accident," Dr. Sam Allison wrote. "Everyone, please use extra caution whenever you see a school bus on the road. Remember every school bus is carrying our most precious cargo, our students. Please stay alert, use caution and help us keep our students safe."
