Minco, OK – Several Minco High School softball players and coaches remain hospitalized following a school bus crash on Monday night.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), the incident occurred on State Highway 152 when the bus, driven by head coach Cody Schmidt, swerved to avoid a deer. The bus overturned and came to rest on its wheels.
OHP reported that one adult male and two juveniles are in critical condition at hospitals in Oklahoma City. The critically injured adult has life-threatening injuries; his name has not been released.
Officials confirmed that four of the 18 individuals on the bus were ejected during the crash. In total, seven individuals sustained injuries: one adult driver and six passengers. OHP noted that the only functioning seatbelt on the bus was for the driver, who was buckled in at the time of the accident.
Two adults and two students suffered non-serious injuries. Authorities stated an investigation is ongoing, with witnesses recounting the chaotic scene that unfolded.
Minco school district superintendent Kevin Sims expressed gratitude that all survived, despite the serious nature of the injuries. Donations to support the softball team can be made to the First National Bank and Trust in Minco.