Police are asking for the public’s help in piecing together what exactly happened to a charter bus that crashed off Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County Sunday afternoon.
A total of 32 people were injured in that crash that happened just after 2:30 in Frailey Township. Police now say 3 people were critically injured and the bus driver is in serious condition.
Police Seek Witnesses to Charter Bus Crash in Schuylkill County
The crash happened near Mile Marker 112, the Hegins exit, on Interstate 81 South. The bus is owned by Premiere #1 Limousine, of Middletown. The driver of the bus is identified as 37-year-old Adam Wright, of Lancaster. According to a report from WNEP-TV, the 32 people on board were high school students and other volunteers part of the Lives Changed By Christ church. They were on their way back to Manheim at a student ministry retreat.
Victims were taken to hospitals in Pottsville, Shamokin, Danville, and Hershey. Five of the victims were taken by medical helicopter from the scene. In addition to the 7 Schuylkill County fire companies helping at the scene, EMS crews from 4 counties were needed to transport victims: Schuylkill, Lebanon, Dauphin, and Northumberland.
Police still aren’t sure why the crash happened. They say the bus was traveling south on the interstate when it started traveling off the road, then off the shoulder and into the “gore area” of the exit ramp. The bus then went across Route 25, hitting and going through a guide rail in the middle of the road. It then went 50 yards into a wooded area off Route 25 before finally coming to a stop.
Police want the public’s help in determining what exactly happened in the crash. Witnesses to the crash should call the Frackville barracks of State Police at 570-874-5300.
- Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story was redirected to this page with the latest information.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...