A school bus collided with a train in Athens, Texas on Friday, killing a middle school student and injuring another.
The bus crashed into the Union Pacific train around 4:30 p.m. at a railroad crossing, according to the Athens Independent School District. A 13-year-old boy was found dead at the scene and a 9-year-old girl was trapped in the bus.
First responders removed the girl from the bus with the aid of heavy extraction equipment and she was taken to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, reports KLTV.
Police Chief Buddy Hill says she is in critical, but stable condition.
There were no arms or lights at the intersection, only signs at the crossing, according to Fire Chief Russell Marshall. The rain was westbound on the tracks when it collided with the bus going south.
No other students or passengers were on the bus, reports CBS News.
“I’ve been in this profession for 21 years and this is by far the worst day of those years,” said Athens school superintendent Blake Styles. “Our hearts are broken for the families and everyone involved in that accident. We’ll have counselors on every campus Monday morning to help students.
The Athens Police Department and Union Police are investigating the collision. The school bus appears to have gotten hit by the train on the driver’s side and pushed several yards down the tracks.
According to the Athens School District, the bus driver was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. He has been a driver with the school system for almost a year.
An official from the Union Pacific Railroad confirmed none of their employees were injured during the crash. An outward facing camera on the train will be reviewed to see how the wreck occurred.
“We ask that you join with us in humbly praying for their families,” the district said.
A prayer vigil was held Friday evening at First United Methodist Church in Athens.
