ELKHART, Texas — The driver of an Elkhart ISD bus involved in a crash that sent several people to the hospital for minor injuries last Friday afternoon was issued a citation for driving at an unsafe speed.
Everyone involved in the crash has been released from the hospital and they are expected to recover, Elkhart ISD Superintendent Lamont Smith said.
Smith said the bus was carrying varsity cheerleaders, a student journalist, staff and a small child when it flipped and landed in a ditch on Highway 294 on Oct. 28.
"Our prayers and support have been extended to all impacted by the accident," Smith said. "We will continue to monitor and provide the necessary support for those involved."
The Texas Department of Public Safety said the investigation revealed the school bus left the roadway and rolled as it entered a curve in the roadway. At the time of the crash, it was raining and the roadway had standing water.
DPS confirmed the driver of the bus was later cited for driving at an unsafe speed.
Those on the bus were headed to a game in Clifton when the crash happened Highway 294, near Lake View Methodist Conference Center.
According to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, a total of 12 people were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. Six people were taken by EMS and the other six were taken by personal vehicles.
According to the ACSO, Sergeant A. Karriker was enroute to the bus crash on Highway 294 when she lost control of the 2020 Dodge Charger and left the roadway.
Karriker was taken to the Palestine Regional Medical Center by a private vehicle. Karriker had a contusion and a broken hand.