In brief
A tragic accident involving a school bus transporting members of a high school softball team occurred near Minco, Oklahoma, when the bus collided with a deer and overturned. Seven individuals were reported injured, including one adult in critical condition. The driver’s seat was the only one equipped with a seat belt, raising concerns about safety protocols. The investigation is ongoing as support pours in from the local community.
MINCO, Okla. (AP) — A school bus carrying softball team members in Oklahoma crashed into a deer and overturned, injuring seven people, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
The incident occurred on Monday night on State Highway 152, near Minco in Grady County, roughly 40 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.
One adult ejected from the bus remains in critical condition as of Tuesday morning. Four students are reported to be in stable condition, says OHP spokesperson Sarah Stewart. The bus was carrying a total of 17 passengers when it overturned. Initially, eight injuries were reported, but this was later revised to seven. Some student passengers were transported from the scene by their parents before authorities arrived.
Cleanup of the scene concluded around midnight, and an investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing. The OHP is collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board regarding the incident.
According to Minco Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Sims, the only seat equipped with a seat belt was the driver's seat.
School was suspended on Tuesday as community leaders and members extend their thoughts and prayers to those affected by the accident. U.S. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma and the local Minco First Baptist Church voiced their support, offering prayers for the victims.
The softball team was scheduled to compete later that evening at the Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, approximately 35 miles southwest of Minco.
