A school bus carrying 30 children participating in a YMCA summer camp program crashed on Friday afternoon on a highway in Idaho. The incident, which occurred on State Highway 55 near milepost 84 in Boise County, resulted in injuries to several children, with some being critically hurt.
According to Idaho State Police, all 30 children were taken to local hospitals “in an abundance of caution.” Out of these, 11 sustained injuries and seven were deemed to be in critical condition. The ages of the children ranged from 13 to 18 years old.
The school bus reportedly rolled over during the crash. The incident happened around 3 p.m. local time. Emergency services and multiple agencies swiftly responded to the scene to provide assistance and rescue operations. A stretch of the highway was temporarily closed in both directions as authorities worked to manage the situation.
The school bus involved in the crash was one of four buses utilized for the summer camp program. Fortunately, the other three buses were not involved in the accident. The Treasure Valley YMCA organized the summer camp program, and the affected children were part of this initiative.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, and as of now, it remains unknown what led to the accident. The incident has raised concerns and calls for attention to ensure the safety of students and children during transportation, especially when engaged in activities like summer camps.
In response to the incident, the Treasure Valley Family YMCA, based in Boise, expressed gratitude for the swift response and support from the community. The organization released a statement on social media acknowledging the quick and heroic efforts of individuals who assisted the campers and staff involved in the accident. They also extended their appreciation for the thoughts and prayers from the community as they work to support those affected by the crash.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety measures during activities involving children and the significance of community support in times of crisis. As authorities continue to investigate the crash, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of the children affected and preventing similar incidents in the future.