CLARKSVILLE, TN — A fatal crash involving a school bus occurred Friday, drawing a significant emergency response, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP).
The incident involved three vehicles: a Clarksville-Montgomery County school bus, a TDOT dump truck, and a Chevrolet Trailblazer. At the time of the collision, there were 29 passengers on the bus, including 24 students, four adults, and the driver.
Two students, Zoe Davis and Arianna Pearson, were confirmed deceased. The bus was operated by Sabrina R. Ducksworth, while Dennis E. Coleman Jr. drove the dump truck, which was towing an attenuator. James Bays was identified as the driver of the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The THP Critical Incident Response Team and Pupil Transportation Division are conducting an investigation, which includes gathering witness statements and reconstructing the crash.
Emergency medical response involved nine medical helicopters, with seven transporting patients to hospitals in Nashville and Memphis. Local ambulances also took several patients to area facilities. THP indicated that chaplains and peer support groups were dispatched to assist those affected by the tragedy.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.