AUSTIN, Texas — A woman has been charged with driving while intoxicated after she allegedly hit two McCallum High School buses late Thursday night.
In a letter sent to the community Friday morning, McCallum Principal Andy Baxa said two band buses were on their way back from the Taco Shack Bowl game at House Park when they were hit by a sedan that appeared to have swerved out of its lane.
Austin Fire Department (AFD) and Austin Police Department (APD) crews responded to the crash at around 11:30 p.m. in the 2900 block of North Lamar Boulevard. AFD said there were reports of a person trapped inside a vehicle, and crews had to remove the door of the sedan to rescue the driver.
Baxa said all students and drivers in the buses were evaluated, and five students and one bus driver were treated on site. No students or staff required transport by Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS), but the driver of the sedan – later identified as 23-year-old Fallon R. Ramos – sustained more significant injuries.
ATCEMS took Ramos to Dell Seton Medical Center for treatment. Jail records show Ramos was booked Friday morning on a Class B misdemeanor DWI charge. As of Friday afternoon, her bond has not been set.
Baxa said two additional buses were sent to return the band students to McCallum Thursday night, and the school's administration communicated directly with the families involved.
"We are relieved that the incident happened near the stadium and several of our staff and emergency responders were able to respond quickly," Baxa said.
KVUE spoke with one parent Friday morning who said this was the McCallum Band's first big football game performance. While the crash was scary, she said she's glad no students were seriously hurt – but it did make for a late night.
"Most of the time, the band kids are here as early as 6:30 in the morning. They're really dedicated students," Sara Ronder said. "And so, most of us didn't get home until 1 in the morning last night. And so, just to give them a base – a good chance to rest before school – we got here as soon as we could, closest to the bell.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. No additional information is available at this time.