https://twitter.com/ChattFireDept/status/800828399681994752
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — “Multiple fatalities” have been reported and many students are hurt after an elementary school bus packed with children crashed and wrapped around a tree in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
There were 35 students on the bus at the time of the crash, WDEF reported.
Both WDEF and WREG are reporting at least 12 have died in Monday’s accident, but the Chattanooga Fire Department tweeted there was no firm number of casualties as of 5:30 p.m.
Multiple fatalities are involved in this bus crash. However, contrary to media reports, no firm numbers have been confirmed yet. #ChattFire
— Chattanooga FireDept (@ChattFireDept) November 21, 2016
Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher had said 23 of them have been taken to the hospital, but there may be more kids hurt, as crews were still working on rescuing people who were trapped.
Everyone has since been freed from the bus, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department.
Last patient just extricated from bus by #ChattFire here at school bus crash on Talley Rd. EMS is transporting. pic.twitter.com/0GhrSSy0Wc
— Chattanooga FireDept (@ChattFireDept) November 21, 2016
It is unclear at this time what led to the crash, but police said the bus driver is cooperating with them.
The school district said it is bringing in extra counselors to offer support.
