Shortly after 9 a.m., the semitrailer rear-ended the bus carrying students from a school in eastern Ohio, officials said, NBC News reports. Shortly after 9 a.m., two commercial vehicles including the bus, a semitrailer and two passenger vehicles were involved in what was described as a "chain-reaction crash," the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. At least three vehicles burst into flames.The semitrailer rear-ended a charter bus carrying students and chaperones from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District who were heading to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus, the district said on Facebook. Three passengers on the bus were pronounced dead at the scene. The state Highway Patrol identified them as John W. Mosely, 18; Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, and Katelyn N. Owens, 15. All three passengers in another vehicle in the collision were killed, according to the agency. They are Dave Kennat, 56, Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45. All six who died were from Ohio. Local hospitals are treating 15 students and the bus driver. The remaining students were taken to what authorities called a "reunification site."
The driver of one commercial vehicle involved was treated for non-life threatening injuries in hospital, while the driver of the other commercial vehicle was treated and released at the scene.
"Right now, our focus is on getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community. Our Trojan family is strong, and it will take that strength and love to get through these coming challenging days," Superintendent Derek Varansky said.
A total of 57 people were onboard, said Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady, who confirmed the number of deaths and injuries in an interview.