‘A tragic incident.’ Student killed, dozens more hurt as Northwestern school bus struck, overturns

Twenty-three students were transported to local hospitals, including 10 who were taken in personal vehicles by family members. One of the injured students has serious injuries, and the other students have non-life-threatening injuries, according to OSHP.

The ages of the students on the bus were not available.

The accident happened about 8:14 a.m. in the 4100 block of Troy Road (Ohio 41) at Lawrenceville near the German Twp. fire station, northwest of Springfield in Clark County.

The road reopened shortly after 2 p.m.

The school bus was traveling west when a 2010 Honda Odyssey headed east went left of center and into the path of the oncoming school bus, according to OSHP. The bus driver attempted to avoid the Honda by driving onto the shoulder, but still collided with the minivan.

The bus and van went off the side of the road, with the bus rolling onto its side.

The driver, Hermanio Joseph, 35, of Springfield and passenger of the minivan were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

The school bus driver, Alfred Collier, 68, suffered minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital.

Northwestern Local Schools was beginning classes today for the 2023-24 year.

“It’s a tragic incident, and we ask for space and patience and time as community members, emergency personnel on scene, families affected, the school district and all its members start the healing process,” Ross said.

First responders from German Twp. and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office immediately requested medical helicopters be put on standby to respond, and additional area departments were requested for mutual aid.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash.

Dispatchers said nine EMS units were dispatched to the scene as of 8:25 a.m.

>> PHOTOS: Northwestern parents rush to be reunited with children after school bus crash

Dayton Children’s Hospital officials said they were receiving and treating patients from the crash.

“The Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association has declared a mass casualty incident, per its protocol. Dayton Children’s managed the situation with normal operations. Dayton Children’s emergency department saw 22 children from this accident. Some came by ambulance and some were brought by their parents,” the hospital said in a statement.

Northwestern Local Schools alerted families about the accident on Facebook.

“There has been a bus accident on one of our elementary routes,” the post stated.

In a second post, the district said families would be notified if their child was involved in the bus accident, and they would be able to pick their child up once they’ve been contacted.

Parents rushed to the area, and a parent unification center was established at the German Twp. Firehouse, 3940 Lawrenceville Drive.

First responders asked to keep parents back from the scene so that crews could work to treat anyone injured.

Troy Road was blocked in the area for hours.

The school district also posted a message informing parents the afternoon preschool program has been canceled today.