Parents of students at a Chattanooga elementary school got the scare of their life when the school bus that their children were riding home in crashed.
The bus driver, 24-year-old Johnthony Walker was arrested after it was reported that a total of five children, which included a kindergartner and a first grader, were killed in the crash.
According to the NY Post, speed may have played a huge factor in the crash as it was reported that Walker was well above the 30 mph speed limit. One student on the bus says Walker was driving very fast and wasn’t paying attention.
What makes this tragedy more chilling is that a mom, who had three children on the bus, one of which unfortunately died, alleged that Walker asked the students if they were “ready to die” before the yellow bus crashed into a telephone pole and a tree.
The bus company involved in the accident released a statement saying that they are cooperating with authorities in their investigation.
“We are working with the Chattanooga Police Department and Hamilton County School District to investigate,” said David Duke, head of Durham School Services. “We also have additional team members arriving in Chattanooga today to provide support.”
A warrant has been issued to obtain the black box on the bus in hopes that it may provide answers. A dozen kids still remain hospitalized with half of them in critical condition.
“There are no words to comfort the broken heart of a mother or father,” Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke said in a statement. “I pray for families affected by (this) tragedy.”
Walker has been charged with five counts of vehicular homicide, reckless endangerment and reckless driving. He was held on $107,500 bond.
Our condolences and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
TSR STAFF: Debra Oh! @The_Ebony_Issue on Ig
Source: http://nypost.com/2016/11/22/bus-driver-asked-kids-if-they-were-ready-to-die-before-crash/
