Fatal Crash in Columbus, Ohio: 3 High School Students and 3 Adults Killed

A report and footage released by the Ohio Department of Public Safety has provided additional details about a fatal crash that occurred on November 14th, resulting in the deaths of three high school students and three adults on Interstate 70. The report states that a 2019 semitruck was following too closely in traffic and failed to slow down, ultimately striking another vehicle before colliding with the charter bus carrying students from Tuscarawas Valley Middle-High School. Officials have confirmed that none of the drivers involved were distracted or under the influence.

The report also revealed that none of the bus passengers listed were wearing seatbelts, leaving it unclear whether or not the vehicle owned by Pioneer Trails, Inc. was equipped with them. Additionally, it outlined how the crash unfolded: as several vehicles including a Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, Volvo truck, and semi-truck were traveling westbound on I-70 and slowing down for traffic, the semi struck the Murano which then collided with the rear-end of the bus. The force pushed both vehicles into oncoming traffic where they hit other cars.

Video footage released by Ohio Highway Patrol showed first responders initially unsure if all students had exited safely from the bus. Body-worn camera footage captured an officer arriving at scene being informed that not everyone had evacuated yet. Despite calling out to anyone still inside, there was no response except for seats at back engulfed in flames making visibility difficult. As firefighters worked to extinguish fires caused by impact damage between vehicles scattered across grassy area beside roadways; witnesses could be seen along with victims receiving medical attention such as CPR or suspected broken legs/feet injuries.

The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing and is expected to include findings from National Transportation Safety Board within weeks.

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