A coalition urging the Amtrak extension includes Aliquippa government, business, education and union leaders. They were en route to a high football game in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. The shooting occurred in Economy Borough, a small community about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh. Fifteen others needed to be treated at the scene, and 21 ultimately were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
The bus, as I soon learned, held the entire junior high football team of Aliquippa. It spun out of control and rolled over in the crash. Eyewitnesses described how the school bus rolled back onto its wheels, with students inside evacuating in a hurry. Emergency medical services immediately rushed to the scene in order to help those injured.
Economy Borough Police Chief Michael O’Brien said the description of the crash is accurate. He later clarified that it was 28 people in total on board at 2. But he lacked detailed data about the medical condition of all those who were treated at hospitals after being swept up in the disaster.
“We ask for a thought or prayer for each player or coach that was traveling this morning.” – Aliquippa junior high football team Facebook page
The bus involved in the deadly crash was en route to a winning football game on that Friday night. Community members and parents reported very clear feelings of anxiety regarding the safety of students and adults in this crash. According to local authorities who are still investigating the cause of the incident, they’re looking into exactly what made the bus lose control.
The Aliquippa junior high football team went on social media to show how they are dealing in this difficult time. They urged assistance for all those affected by the crash.