MINCO, Okla. (AP) — A school bus carrying softball team members in Oklahoma crashed into a deer and overturned, injuring seven passengers, according to state highway patrol reports.
The incident occurred on Monday night on State Highway 152 near Minco, located approximately 40 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Authorities reported that one adult ejected from the bus remains in critical condition, while four students are in stable condition, as stated by Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) spokesperson Sarah Stewart.
Initially, OHP reported eight injuries, but this was later corrected to seven after some students were picked up by their parents before first responders arrived. Out of the total of 17 passengers on the bus at the time, several were reportedly thrown from the vehicle during the rollover.
As of midnight on Monday, the crash scene was cleared, and an investigation has commenced in partnership with the National Transportation Safety Board. OHP Lt. Mark Southall disclosed that the bus driver’s seat was the only seat equipped with a seatbelt.
School officials announced that classes were canceled on Tuesday, urging the community to keep the affected families in their thoughts and prayers. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford also expressed his support on social media.
The softball team was en route to a game at the Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday.
