CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to the scene of a fatal crash in Carroll County near Highway 70 and Cedar Grove.
During a press conference on Friday, officials said the crash involved a Kenwood Middle School bus, a Tennessee Dept. of Transportation (TDOT) dump truck, and a Chevrolet Trailblazer.
"This is a parent's worst nightmare, and we recognize that."
Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) confirmed that a bus for Kenwood Middle School was involved in the accident.
Major Travis Plotzer confirmed that 2 students were killed in the crash.
Vanderbilt said 4 other students from the bus were taken there for treatment and are in stable condition.
Another 19 people were taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County, according to The Associated Press. Kim Alexander, a spokesperson for Baptist Memorial Health Care, said all were evaluated and released, though it was unclear how many actually suffered injuries.
Plotzer said his preliminary report showed 25 students were on board the bus along with 5 adults. There were 2 adults in the TDOT vehicle, and one person in the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
This remains an ongoing investigation, and troopers are actively working to determine the circumstances of the crash.
Plotzer said in regards to the TDOT vehicle, "it doesn't appear that TDOT had any contributing factors to the crash."
A parent of a student on the bus spoke to NewsChannel 5's Nick Beres. Here's what he learned regarding the student's recollection of the accident:
I just spoke with the mother of one of the students on the bus from Kenwood Middle School in Clarksville. Her daughter took this photo (below) moments after she and the other 24 students and staff were removed from the bus. The 13-year-old 8th grader said she was not hurt.
She told her mom the four teachers were in the front of the bus with the students further back. Suddenly there was a collision and the bus shuddered and shifted on the road.
Next thing she knows there is chaos onboard and screaming. She did not see the dump truck or how the crash happened.
She says it was difficult to get out of the front side door and first responders had to use the back emergency exit to get everyone out. The girl said several of her classmates were badly hurt and some were unconscious.
The group from Kenwood Middle School was headed to Jackson, Tenn. as part of the Green Power curriculum. They had built a car and were selected to compete against other schools. It was something they worked very hard at and they all were looking so forward to going.
School and district leaders are sharing messages of support following the crash
The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System shared a statement Friday evening, saying “our hearts are shattered at the tragic loss of two young lives.” District leaders asked the community to continue supporting those affected. The district said it is praying for the injured and will share ways to assist families as details are confirmed. The Kenwood Middle School principal said, “Counselors will be available Monday, March 30 to support anyone in our school community who may need someone to talk to in the days ahead and for as long as needed.”
The Jackson-Madison County superintendent sent a message of support Friday evening, writing, “These students were traveling to our community to participate in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix Greenpower USA race." He said he is “completely devastated” by the crash and called the loss “immeasurable.” He said the event will move forward Saturday at Rockabilly Stadium, but with a focus on "reflection and unity," including a moment of silence. Grief counselors will be on-site, and a private space will be available for those needing support.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools Director Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder shared a message Saturday, saying she was “overwhelmed” by the compassion shown as she visited hospitals and checked on those affected. She also asked the community to wear black and gold on Monday, March 30 in support of Kenwood Middle School.
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts released a statement Saturday, calling the crash a tragedy that has left the community “heartbroken.” He said the news worsened throughout the day after he was first notified of the crash, adding that “our city grieves at the loss of these children, who were much too young with their whole lives in front of them.”
"'There has been a school bus accident. Injuries but we don’t know the details.'
That was the message I received at 12:05 p.m. on Friday. Immediately your heart sinks, while holding our breath and praying for the news that only “minor injuries” were suffered at worst, or the students and adults were only “shaken up” at best.
But the news only got worse as the day wore on.
The tragedy on Friday where two students of Kenwood Middle School were fatally injured, and other students were injured in the accident leaves those families, friends and our community heartbroken.
The depth of our sadness hasn’t been felt yet, since the days to come will be difficult. Our city grieves at the loss of these children, who were much too young with their whole lives in front of them. They were on their way to an event that this group of bright, talented, students had prepared for during the school year.
Those that were injured will heal physically, but the emotional toll will be difficult to overcome for years.
Our immediate response is, how could this happen, or why? But let’s leave the investigation to the professionals and turn our total, and complete attention to the families whose lives are now changed forever.
Let me call on our community to rally.
Rally like we do every time there is a need, and there will be needs that stretch far beyond this day, this week, or even this year. Follow the lead of our school system who will help us help the students and their families recover from this awful event.
Be wary of any finger pointing or speculation. That serves no purpose.
Instead, let’s show our love and support for the students and families. Let’s also remember there were teachers and other adults on that bus on Friday. They will need our encouragement, support and unconditional love in these difficult days.
I rely on my faith during dark and difficult times. Matthew 5:4 says, 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.' Let us all be a blessing to those that are mourning today and in the days to come."
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office also released a statement Saturday, saying the community is entering the weekend with “heavy hearts” following the crash involving Kenwood Middle School students. The agency expressed support for families, students, staff and first responders, adding that it “stand[s] together in solidarity.”
Community support efforts
A GoFundMe has been created to support the families and teachers affected by the crash. Organizers said the funds will go toward funeral and medical expenses, as well as helping cover basic needs for those caring for injured loved ones.
A show of support is being organized for the Kenwood Middle School community, with students, staff and families encouraged to wear black and gold on Monday, March 30. Participants are also asked to gather outside their schools about 15 minutes before doors open.
Austin Pollack brings us an update on a remarkable young man facing great odds, and his family has one simple request: pray for Cole. I believe in the power of prayer and hope you'll join me in lifting up Cole and his family.
- Carrie Sharp
