9 children, 1 adult killed in Alabama interstate crash involving youth ranch bus
On Saturday afternoon, a multi-vehicle accident occurring on Interstate 65 in Butler County, Alabama, killed nine children and one adult.
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On Saturday afternoon, a multi-vehicle accident occurring on Interstate 65 in Butler County, Alabama, killed nine children and one adult.
On Saturday afternoon, a multi-vehicle accident occurring on Interstate 65 in Butler County, Alabama, killed nine children and one adult, according to CNN.
Eight of the children ages four to 17 were traveling in a bus from the Tallapoosa Country Girls Ranch, according to Butler County Coroner Wayne Garlock.
A 29-year-old father and his 9-month-old daughter traveling in another vehicle were also killed, Garlock told CNN.
The Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch is part of a series of ranches maintained by the nonprofit Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches. The organization looks to provide a home for neglected, abused, and abandoned school-age children.
"The mission of the Ranches is to provide Christian, family-style residential homes for Alabama's needy, neglected, or abused, school-age children in an atmosphere where they may grow spiritually and physically into productive, responsible, and happy adults," states the organization's website.
The Saturday afternoon accident occurred at mile marker 138 on I-65 northbound as heavy storms swept through the state, according to Garlock. The area was experiencing a tropical depression that's been named Tropical Storm Claudette, which dumped heavy rain across the Southeast on Saturday after it came ashore in southeastern Louisiana early that morning, according to CNN.
According to Garlock, rescue personnel were able to remove the Girls Ranch bus driver from the burning vehicle, but were unable to reach the girls in time.
The father driving in the other vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The infant was transported to Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead, according to Garlock. He added that the infant was properly restrained in her car seat, but that the impact of the collision was too strong.
In a statement from Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches CEO Michael Smith, he called the accident "a horrible tragedy and loss."
"Our hearts are so heavy today. Our Ranch family has suffered a great loss. As many of you may have heard, one of our Ranch vehicles was involved in a multiple car accident yesterday afternoon," wrote Smith.
"It is such a horrible tragedy and loss," Smith continued. "This morning, I have been thinking about how we do not always understand the reason things happen. However, we will continue to hold on to our God for peace and comfort as our hearts continue to break. Please continue to pray for us as we navigate this difficult time." The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is asking anyone who may possess information or photos relating to the accident to contact the agency's personnel.
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