JOHNSON COUNTY, Tenn. – A crash involving a Virginia school bus and a passenger vehicle left one dead and multiple injured in Tennessee on Friday night, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office said.
JCSO said emergency personnel responded to a crash involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle near the 7000 block of Highway 91 around 9:35 p.m. on Friday. 28 people were reported to be on the school bus at the time of the crash. One adult and three juveniles were taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Authorities said that one occupant in the passenger vehicle was killed as a result of the crash. In addition, a secondary crash occurred in connection with the main incident. The secondary crash resulted in minor injuries, with one patient receiving treatment.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, and Johnson County Sheriff Shawn Brown thanked those involved.
Washington County Schools also issued a statement on their Facebook regarding the incident:
“On behalf of Washington County Public Schools and Abingdon High School, we want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who responded and cared for our students and staff following Friday evening’s bus accident in Johnson County.
We are grateful to Johnson County Public Schools for the care and support they provided to our students and staff during an incredibly difficult situation. We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, emergency medical personnel, first responders and the many others who came to the aid of our students and staff. Their compassion, professionalism and willingness to help meant more than we can adequately express.
Our students and staff were surrounded by people who cared for them, comforted them and helped ensure they made it safely home to their families. The offers of support and assistance from others were immeasurable. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who played a part in that effort.
From an internal standpoint, our WCPS team stepped up and performed exceptionally in an unthinkable situation. Our bus drivers responded extraordinarily well and protected our students above all else. Our coaching staff managed the scene with precision and compassion. Parents at the scene provided invaluable assistance. Our WCPS athletic trainers, AHS Counseling staff and Highlands Community Services provided care and support to our students during and following the incident. Central Services and AHS administrators, along with School Board members, provided on-site and behind-the-scenes support to assist those on the front lines. Despite cellular challenges, our Communications Director provided information to families in a timely manner. Our football squad did exactly what you would expect from a team: they rallied and took care of one another in a heartwarming display of brotherhood.
We understand that the tragedy could have been much worse, and we know that our Falcon community was blessed and protected last night. We also recognize that this was a tragic accident that affected more than our school community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted.”
Washington County Public Shcools
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is now overseeing the investigation of the crash.
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