Ohio Student Bus Crash: What We Know About Deadly Accident on I-70

Tragic details are emerging after a charter bus carrying student band members was involved in a crash on Interstate 70 in Ohio, including reports of multiple deaths and over a dozen injuries.

The incident took place shortly after 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, when a semi-truck rear-ended the charter bus in the westbound lane of I-70 in Licking County, east of the Ohio capital of Columbus, resulting in a shutdown for both lanes of traffic. Images and videos circulating on social media appeared to show that the crash occurred just before Exit 118 in the westbound lane. The bus had reportedly been carrying 57 band students from Tuscarawas Valley Schools, a district located roughly 120 miles northeast of Columbus and around 43 miles south of Akron.

According to local reports, as of 11 a.m., three deaths had been confirmed at the scene of the accident, but the identities of the deceased had not been disclosed. A further 15 were reported to have been injured. The Truro Township Fire Department in Reynoldsburg confirmed to local press outlets that victims are being transported to local hospitals for treatment.

In a statement released to Cleveland's 19 News, Tuscarawas Superintendent Dr. Derek Varansky confirmed that the students and chaperones on the bus had been headed to the Ohio School Boards Association conference.

"Today, a charter bus carrying Tusky Valley students and chaperones on the way to the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus was involved in a very serious accident," Varansky said. "We understand from law enforcement that there may be multiple serious injuries and we are working to learn the details. We will share news with you as we are able, including our plans for upcoming school days and events.

Newsweek reached out to the Truro Township Fire Department via email for comment.

When reached for a statement on the incident, the Licking County Emergency Management Agency confirmed only that a press conference was being planned for later in the day.

Images and videos circulating on social media have shown the harrowing aftermath of the crash, with flames erupting from the rear of the charter bus and giant plumes of dark smoke billowing into the sky.

"Right now, our focus is on getting in touch with our Tusky Valley families who had loved ones on the bus and providing support to our entire school community," Varansky's statement continued. "Our Trojan family is strong, and it will take that strength and love to get throughout these coming challenging days."

Interstate 70 is one of the most significant east-west corridors in the United States, beginning near Baltimore on the East Coast and running nearly 2,200 miles west to Cove Fort, Utah. Along the way, it provides access to major cities like Pittsburgh, Columbus, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Denver.