A Walker County school bus was involved in a serious accident early Tuesday morning, leaving five students injured after the bus left the roadway and struck a tree.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:13 a.m. on Cook Road in LaFayette. According to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, the bus veered off the road and collided with a tree while en route to area schools. The Georgia State Patrol is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
Walker County Schools confirmed that the bus was transporting students to Naomi Elementary School, LaFayette Middle School, and LaFayette High School. Approximately 40 students were on board at the time of the incident.
Five students were transported to local hospitals. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed, and their conditions remain unknown as of press time.
In a statement issued by Walker County Schools Superintendent Damon Raines, he said:
“We received notification of an accident involving one of our school buses this morning during its morning route serving Naomi Elementary School, LaFayette Middle School, and LaFayette High School. Approximately 40 students were on board. Five students were transported for precautionary measures, and the other students were transported to their respective schools after being released by law enforcement.”
A second bus was dispatched to the scene to transport the remaining students to school.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.