A bus carrying a group of middle school football players crashed Saturday morning in western Pennsylvania, leaving at least 21 people injured and sending a tight-knit community into shock.
The Aliquippa Middle School team was on its way to Pine-Richland Middle School in Gibsonia when the crash happened along a notoriously dangerous curve on Shaffer Road in Economy Borough, just outside Pittsburgh. The bus, carrying 25 students and two adults, struck multiple utility poles and flipped on its side before righting itself as children scrambled to escape.
“It just rolled over,” Economy Borough Police Chief Michael O’Brien said. “There were live wires down, kids crawling out, people trying to help. It was chaotic.”
Emergency crews from multiple counties rushed to the scene. Several of the injured students were taken to UPMC Children’s Hospital, Allegheny General Hospital, and Heritage Valley Sewickley, with one student airlifted due to the severity of their injuries. Authorities confirmed that both students and adults were among the injured, though officials have not yet released names.
Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker pleaded for community support. “Pray for our babies,” he said, visibly shaken. “Make sure they’re okay. Their moms and dads are okay. This is every parent’s nightmare.”
Parents were directed to the Ambridge Fire Station to reunite with their children, and school officials urged calm as they coordinated care for the injured players. On Facebook, the football team posted: “Each player is being evaluated. Please take a moment to send a thought or prayer for every player and coach that was traveling this morning.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also issued a statement offering “full support” and solidarity. “Football brings the Aliquippa community together,” he said. “Our hearts are with the team, their families, and everyone affected by this accident.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but the bend where the accident occurred has long been considered hazardous. Residents say the road’s steep slope and sharp curve have contributed to multiple incidents in the past.
A candlelight vigil is planned tonight at the Plan 12 playground, where families, friends, and neighbors are expected to gather in support of the young athletes and their loved ones.`1
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