Tragic Bus Accident in Licking County Claims Lives of Three Tusky Valley High School Students

Cleveland – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released its preliminary report and body camera video footage of the tragic five-vehicle crash that took place in Licking County, Ohio, on November 14. The accident resulted in the deaths of six individuals and left 20 others injured. The crash involved a charter bus carrying members of the Tusky Valley High School marching band, with three students among the fatalities.

The report identified the vehicles involved as Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Unit 1 was a tractor-trailer positioned at the back of the line of cars. Unit 2 was an SUV with a teacher and two band volunteers in front of the tractor-trailer. Unit 3 was the charter bus carrying the band, positioned in front of the SUV. Unit 4 was another SUV in front of the charter bus, and Unit 5 was another tractor-trailer leading the line.

According to the report, the chain reaction incident occurred when Units 2, 3, 4, and 5 began to slow down due to an accident scene. The tractor-trailer in Unit 1, owned by Mid State Systems Inc., collided with Unit 2 and subsequently crashed into Unit 3, the charter bus. The tractor-trailer even “overrode” the SUV, meaning it ran over the vehicle and ended up on top of it when emergency responders arrived. The charter bus, after being struck by the tractor-trailer, hit Unit 4, causing it to spin out of the way. Finally, the charter bus collided with Unit 5, the leading tractor-trailer.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed that the term “overriding” indicates the tractor-trailer was sitting on top of the SUV during the initial response. The report stated that the tractor-trailer at the rear of the line was at fault for “following too close,” which initiated the chain reaction.

No other vehicle was assigned any responsibility for contributing to the accident, according to authorities.

This tragic incident has left the community mourning the loss of six lives and praying for the recovery of the injured. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as the inquiry progresses.