6 killed when semi hits bus in Ohio

Six people died Tuesday morning when a semitruck hit a charter bus carrying high school students on an interstate in Ohio, according to multiple reports.

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Update 8:28 p.m. EST Nov. 14: Authorities said the death toll from Tuesday’s crash involving a charter bus and a semitruck on Interstate 70 has risen to six. More than 18 people were injured, according to The Associated Press.

Five vehicles were involved in the crash.

Ohio State Police told the news organization that three teens on the bus were killed in the crash. They were identified as John W. Mosely, 18; Jeffery D. Worrell, 18; and Katelyn N. Owens, 15.

All three people in one of the passenger vehicles involved were also pronounced dead at the scene, OSP officials said. According to the AP, they were identified as Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre; Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar; and Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar.

“This is our worst nightmare, when we have a bus full of children involved in a crash,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said during a news conference at the site of the crash. “Prayers go out to the families, everyone who was on the bus.”

The governor ordered U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff in Tuscarawas and Stark counties through sunset on Saturday.

For the latest on this crash, go to WHIO-TV7.

-- Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Update 4:21 p.m. EST Nov. 14: Authorities said 15 students are among 18 who were transported to area hospitals after a charter bus was hit by a semitruck on I-70 in Licking County, Ohio, Tuesday morning.

For the latest on this crash, go to WHIO-TV7.

Original report: Three people died Tuesday morning when a semitruck hit a charter bus carrying high school students on an interstate in Ohio, according to multiple reports.

The bus was carrying students from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District in eastern Ohio, the Associated Press reported. It was rear-ended by the semitruck just before 9 a.m. in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near State Route 310, according to WCMH and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Derek Varansky, superintendent of the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District, confirmed that the crash involved students from the district in a statement posted online. He said students and chaperones were on the bus to get to the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus.

“We understand from law enforcement that there may be multiple serious injuries and we are working to learn the details,” he said.

“We will share news with you as we are able, including our plans for upcoming school days and events. 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. Our Trojan family is strong, and it will take that strength and love to get throughout these coming challenging days.”

Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady told the AP that there were 57 people onboard the charter bus at the time of the crash. At least 15 people were injured. Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Nate Dennis said the collusion involved five vehicles, according to WHIO-TV.

At a news conference Tuesday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said his heart goes to everyone affected by the crash.

“Our prayers are with the family members as they go through this absolutely horrible, horrible tragedy,” he said, according to WHIO.

It was not immediately clear what caused the collision.

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