1 killed after bus carrying Texas students plunges into Alabama ravine
LOXLEY, Alabama -- One person is dead after a charter tour bus carrying students on a school trip from Channelview plunged into a ravine near the Alabama-Florida line.
Baldwin County Sheriff Huey Hoss Mack confirmed the death Tuesday morning while talking to news reporters.
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Major Anthony Lowery said the bus plunged off Interstate 10 into a deep ravine early Tuesday and multiple helicopters responded.
WKRG-TV is reporting that 12 to 20 people have been injured, and that officials say the bus was returning to Houston from a school trip from Disney World.
RAW VIDEO of bus after crashing into the ravine
Channelview ISD released a statement about the crash Tuesday morning:
A charter bus transporting Channelview High School band students was involved in an accident on Interstate 10 in Alabama early this morning. At this time, details are limited. We are in contact with law enforcement in Alabama trying to obtain further information.
Call center for confirmed families
Baldwin County Alabama Call Center
251-972-6807
Channelview student talks to ABC13's Foti Kallergis about the moments the bus crashed
Mother of Channelview student speaks to ABC13 about crash
DeWayne Benson, who was on the bus, told Foti that he was sleeping just before the bus crashed.
"The band director was yelling 'hairy, hairy', like in hairy situation," he said.
DeWayne was asleep until he heard the band director screaming.
DeWayne told his sister that after the crash, they were passing around a cellphone someone found, taking turns calling their parents.
Raw video of bus after the crash
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
