Nearly 30 people sent to hospital — 1 critical — after Aliquippa junior high football team bus crash

A bus carrying Aliquippa junior high football players crashed Saturday morning near Ambridge en route to a game, sending nearly 30 people, including 25 players, to area hospitals for medical treatment, authorities said.

One student was in critical condition and was undergoing surgery, according to a letter from Aliquippa Superintendent Phillip Woods.

The accident was reported at about 9:50 a.m. along Shaffer Road in Economy, Beaver County 911 said.

The Quips junior high school team was scheduled to play at 11 a.m. at Pine-Richland.

In addition to the players, the bus was carrying two coaches, a water boy and the driver.

Woods did not know how the accident happened, but said no other vehicles were involved.

The bus was operated by ABC Transit, Woods said. A representative of ABC Transit could not immediately be reached for comment.

At a press conference, Economy police Chief Michael O’Brien said the cause of the crash was under investigation.

“It’s on a bad bend,” he said of the location. “It’s being investigated right now to determine what happened.”

According to Woods, the bus had tilted on a hillside, but did not flip or roll over, and it was when the vehicle shifted back that people were hurt.

One player suffered a broken leg, while others suffered cuts and bruises or were just shaken up, he said.

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh was treating and evaluating 20 children, a spokesperson said.

The hospital released a statement Saturday evening saying all but one of the children had been treated and released.. The one who remains hospitalized needed surgery.

The driver was hurt and taken to a hospital, O’Brien said.

The bus is believed to have hit a utility pole, Woods said. Live power lines were on the ground after the crash, O’Brien said.

“From what I understand the wires were hot,” he said. “I think some of those kids were able to get around those.”

Woods said the school district was working with ABC Transit to get video from the bus, now in police possession, and recover student belongings.

All junior high football practices and games for next week have been canceled, according to Woods’ letter. A parent meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Black Box to answer questions and address concerns.

“I want to say to the families that our hearts and well wishes are with you,” Woods said. “We know the kids may look good on the outside, but we’ve got to take care of what’s going on inside mentally, socially and emotionally. We’re going to do our best to help them heal.”

Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker thanked Economy officials and first responders, and urged people not to cater to rumors.

“Just pray for our babies,” he said. “All we need to be concerned about right now is praying for the families. That’s it. And make sure they’re OK, insulate them, and make sure they’re OK, and the moms and dads are OK. This is all hands on deck right now.”

On X, formerly Twitter, Gov. Josh Shapiro said he had spoken with Walker and offered his administrations support.

“Football brings the Aliquippa community together — and I know those who prepared to cheer on their team today are already stepping in to care for their neighbors and check in on the families affected,” the governor wrote. “The entire community is in our thoughts today. Please join Lori and me in praying for the team, their parents, their coaches, and everyone rallying behind them.”