AUSTIN, Texas — The principal of Tom Green Elementary School has released a statement following Friday's deadly school bus crash that killed two and hospitalized dozens.
Friday's crash happened just before 2 p.m. when a Hays CISD school bus carrying Tom Green Elementary School pre-K students collided with a concrete pumper truck on State Highway 21 near Mustang Ridge.
The concrete pumper truck was traveling eastbound on SH 21 and veered into the bus, which was traveling westbound, killing a boy inside. A Dodge Charger then crashed into the back of the bus and its driver also died.
Four people were transported to the hospital by helicopter with critical injuries. Ten more were taken by ground to the hospital with serious but not critical injuries. Officials said they don't know the age or gender of those critically injured.
The district later confirmed that the bus did not have seatbelts.
In her statement, Principal Jennifer Hanna expressed pain and grief over the incident and shared a number of important updates about the school's immediate plans, including news that the school would be canceling classes on Monday, March 25.
Read Hanna's full message below:
"Dear Hornet Family,
The pain we continue to feel today is profound and there remain no words that can capture the depth of our grief. As we come to terms with this tragedy, it is crucial that we stand together as a community, supporting one another as we navigate through this difficult period.
I have some information I want to share with you regarding Monday. We have cancelled the regular school day on March 25, 2024; however, we will be open for students and staff members who want to seek counseling services on a voluntary basis. We will have specialized crisis and trauma counselors available to help from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Students who may need transportation to attend counseling may call the school to coordinate ride services. We will resume a normal school schedule on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.
As of mid-day, we still had three staff members and two students known to be in the hospital. We have nine students whose families we are still trying to contact for an update. For our staff members, one is expected to be released soon and two will have much more extensive recoveries ahead. Of the two students in the hospital for whom we have an update, both appear to be doing well and remain primarily for observation prior to their anticipated releases in the near future.
So many of you have been asking how you can help. One of our former teachers, Molly Andrews, who is a community member and member of our campus leadership team, has set up a Go-Fund-Me account. The money raised will be used to help students and staff with expenses related to healing, off-setting funeral expenses for the student who passed away, and other unexpected expenses incurred by families affected by the accident. To help, please visit: https://gofund.me/a3c4c9e8.
Regarding personal belongings left on the bus or lost at the crash site, we will be working directly with those on the bus to return personal belongings, including cell phones, as soon as possible.
In the days and weeks ahead, we will face a long road of healing and recovery. Let us come together to provide comfort and solace to one another, offering a shoulder to lean on and listening ear for those who need it most. During this time, I encourage each and every one of you to prioritize self-care and seek support if needed. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you need assistance or support in any way.
As we mourn the loss of our student and support those who are injured, let us remember the strength of our community and the bonds that unite us. Together, we will find the strength to heal. Together, we are Hornet strong."