Update, 5:20 p.m.: Dashcam video from a parent who was following the bus shows the bus steadily crossing over the double yellow lines before crashing head-on with the TDOT truck. The video was published on Saturday by WKRN-Channel 2 Nashville.
The investigation is ongoing, so the reason the driver crossed the yellow lines is not yet known.
Update, 2:20 p.m.: A candlelight vigil and prayer ceremony is planned today (Saturday) from 6-8 p.m. at Kenwood Middle School. Please bring a candle to light during the vigil, organizers said.
A prayer service is planned for Sunday at 6 p.m. at Kenwood Baptist Church, 992 Peachers Mill Road.
| MORE: Mourners gather for vigil at Kenwood Middle to remember students killed in bus crash | PHOTOS
Update, 1:05 p.m.: Director of Schools Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder released the following statement Saturday afternoon:
“A group of eighth-grade students and educators from Kenwood Middle School were so excited to be on the bus heading to Jackson yesterday to join other students from across the region for a weekend competition. In a moment, their lives and their families’ lives were upended. As a mother and a lifelong educator, I cannot begin to imagine the fear and pain they continue to endure. I ask that everyone pray and wrap their arms around these students, employees, their families, and the entire Kenwood community.
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“As I visited hospitals last night to check on students and families, I was overwhelmed by the selfless and compassionate moments I observed. I have continued to reflect on the first questions I would get from each person – is his teacher OK, how is her friend doing, is there anything we can do for someone else? Even amid an unimaginable tragedy and the profound distress each person was experiencing, the love and compassion everyone has shown for one another have been a breathtaking reminder of the power of community and humanity.
“The Kenwood family has received an outpouring of support from across the Volunteer State. I cannot thank everyone enough for the kindness and support for our families.
“In unity and strength with the Kenwood Knights, I ask that everyone wear black and gold on Monday, March 30. I am asking each school in CMCSS to determine an appropriate time and place for reflection and hope, and I invite everyone to join us in lifting up these families and the entire Kenwood community.”
Update, 10:35 a.m.: CMCSS said the prayer vigil Monday morning is planned by parents at Kirkwood Elementary School. Not all CMCSS schools have vigils planned for Monday. Remembrance plans will be announced by CMCSS later today.
Previously:
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Vigils are planned and counselors will be available at Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools Monday morning after two students were killed, with several others severely injured, in the school bus crash in Carroll County.
At about noon Friday, a Kenwood Middle School bus crashed with a Chevrolet Trailblazer and a TDOT dump truck on Highway 70 near Huntington, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol. The TDOT truck did not appear to be at fault, THP said. The crash is still under investigation.
Condition of crash victims
Two students died at the scene. At least 7 people were critically injured and airlifted by helicopter to trauma centers in Nashville and Memphis, THP said at a press conference. Vanderbilt Health said four patients were flown to Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital, and all were in stable condition Friday evening.
Many others had less serious injuries: 19 people were taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County, and they were released after being evaluated.
The bus driver had severe injuries, a family member told Clarksville Now. She has had surgery and is recovering well as of Saturday morning. Another surgery may be needed.
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Gov. Bill Lee called for prayer for all involved in the crash. “We are heartbroken over the loss of life and ask for God’s healing over the injured. As authorities continue to investigate, we are deeply grateful to every first responder supporting these Tennesseans in their most difficult time.”
Where they were going
There were 25 students on the bus and five adults. There were two people in the TDOT truck and one in the Trailblazer.
The bus was on a field trip, carrying Kenwood Middle STEM students to Jackson for the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix a Greenpower USA race, a student competition event, according to Dr. Marlon King, superintendent of Jackson-Madison County Schools.
| MORE: Mayor Pitts: In wake of bus tragedy, let’s rally around students, families | COMMENTARY
Vigil planned, counselors available
On Monday, March 30, supporters are asking people to arrive 15 minutes early to every CMCSS school, wearing Kenwood’s black and gold colors, for prayer vigils outside in front of each school.
Counselors will be available starting Monday at Kenwood Middle School and all CMCSS schools for anyone in the school community needs someone to talk to in the days ahead and for as long as needed, according to CMCSS spokesman Anthony Johnson.
“Please continue to pray with us for our students, families, faculty and staff,” Principal Dr. Karen Miller said in a statement. “I am grateful for the strength of our Kenwood community, and I trust we will all support each other during this difficult time.”
This article will be updated.
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