School Bus Punges Off Overpass

November 20th, 2006

Hunstville , Alabama - A school bus has plunged off an overpass in Huntsville, Alabama with more than 30 high school students aboard, killing two and injuring at least 23.

A school bus has plunged off an overpass in Huntsville, Alabama with more than 30 high school students aboard, killing two and injuring at least 23.

The bus is laying on its side under the I-565 overpass.

"It looks like the bus plunged head first," police spokesman Wendell Johnson said.

WHNT reporter Steve Johnson told FOX News that it appears the bus went over the side of the overpass, front-end first, to plunge about 30 feet. A chunk of the overpass was also missing.

"It looks like a cardboard box that you bent sideways," Johnson said in describing the bus. The front end of the bus was crushed and the windows were all blown out of the vehicle.

At least 23 of the 34 students aboard were taken to hospitals, he said.

Lori Light of Crestwood Medical Center said that facility received nine students, two of whom declined treatment because their injuries weren't serious, while another two were discharged. Five are still being treated for injuries ranging from lacerations to contusions to fractures.

"Right now, we're just trying to stabilize injuries, save lives and we'll get more information as it's available."