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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.