The crash was reported around 7:35 a.m. on the Interstate 70 West exit ramp to Hoke Road, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
While two of the buses were waiting to get off the ramp, a third bus failed to maintain enough distance and rear-ended the bus in front of it, according to OSHP. The first bus pushed the second bus into the back of a third bus.
“This caused a chain reaction crash, resulting in damage to all three buses,” read a press release from the school district. “Students were immediately evacuated and checked for injuries.”
None of the bus drivers were injured.
The driver of the first bus, a 67-year-old Dayton man, was cited for failure to maintain clear distance ahead, according to OSHP. Per district and state protocols, the driver will stay off-duty while Huber Height’s transportation department evaluates the incident.
The I-70 W exit ramp to Hoke Road was closed while students were evacuated from the buses and as first responders investigated the scene. Just before 10 a.m. the ramp reopened.
“We are thankful for the first responders who were on scene within minutes to support our students,” read a statement from the district. “We are also appreciative of the parents who waited patiently for additional information and to Northmont City Schools for helping us in a time of need. Our thoughts are with those students that were riding the buses involved in the incident this morning. We hope all make a quick recovery and we look forward to seeing them on Tuesday.”
Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash.
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