A day of celebration, learning, and fun turned into a horrific tragedy Monday afternoon when a busload of pre-K students was involved in a crash that injured 51 and killed 2, including a child.

The bus was full of children and staff from Tom Green Elementary School from the Hays Consolidated Independent School District.

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The class had spent the day at a zoo located in Bastrop County and was returning to their school.

Details of the Accident

According to a report, the school bus was traveling westbound on Highway 21 near the border of Bastrop and Caldwell Counties.

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The driver of a cement truck traveling eastbound is believed to have veered into the eastbound lane causing the accident. The collision caused the bus to roll over. A car also crashed into the back of the bus, the driver of that vehicle was pronounced deceased.

Personal Ties to East Texas

I learned of this terrible tragedy from my oldest daughter, who used to teach and coach at Hudson High School. She now works at Buda Johnson High School which is in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District. Needless to say, the mood has been somber across the campuses.

Dr. Eric Wright, formerly the superintendent at Huntington ISD, holds the same position at Hays CISD. Wright issued a statement Monday evening concerning the accident.

Hays CISC photo
Hays CISC photo
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He starts by saying he is heartbroken and issues his condolences for the 'precious young boy' who was killed in the crash. Find the entire statement here.

Please keep all those involved in your prayers.

 

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