It’s every parent’s nightmare. A school bus carrying about three dozen elementary school children crashed into a tree resulting in multiple fatalities and even more injuries.
Police arrested a Chattanooga school bus driver on charges including vehicular homicide after the bus crash killed five students.
Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher told an overnight news conference that 24-year-old bus driver Johnthony Walker was charged with five counts of vehicular homicide. Walker was also charged with reckless driving and reckless endangerment.
Investigators were looking at speed “very, very strongly” as a factor in the crash, Fletcher said earlier. An arrest affidavit posted online by Chattanooga station WTVC says Walker was driving well above the posted 30 mph speed limit on a narrow, winding road. His bond was set at $107,500, according to the affidavit.
Police said overnight that five children were killed in the crash. Earlier Monday, Hamilton County District Attorney Neal Pinkston told news outlets the crash killed six. The Associated Press was not immediately able to reach officials Tuesday morning to explain the discrepancy.
Thirty-five students from kindergarten through fifth grade were on board when the bus flipped onto its side and wrapped around a tree. The bus was the only vehicle involved in the crash, but Fletcher said the scene was complicated and covered a significant area. He also said a warrant had been issued to remove the bus’ black box, which contains data about the vehicle’s movement.
Bloodied Woodmore Elementary School students lay on stretchers, while others walked away dazed with their parents after the crash, local news outlets reported. More than 20 children went to hospitals for their injuries, according to Fletcher.
Emergency responders needed almost two hours to get all the children off the bus.
Television cameras showed emergency vehicles still there late into the night, and the National Transportation Safety Board tweeted that a team would be heading to Chattanooga on Tuesday morning to investigate.
Craig Harris, a parent of two children who were on the bus, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” Tuesday morning he thought the bus driver sometimes drove too fast.
“There has been times where I’ve seen him going a little faster than he probably should be going,” Harris said.
Harris said his daughter and stepson were in shock and pain after the crash but were doing better Tuesday morning.
Television stations reported that people lined up to donate blood and some donors were asked to make appointments for Tuesday.
Kirk Kelly, interim superintendent for Hamilton County schools, said classes would be held Tuesday with counselors available for students and staff.
Fletcher said the families of the children who died had been notified but police would not release their names because they were juveniles.
“Our hearts go out, as well as the hearts of all these people behind me, to the families, the neighborhood, the school, for all the people involved in this, we assure you we are doing everything we can,” Fletcher said.
At the state Capitol in Nashville, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam called the crash “a tragic event” and offered assistance.
“We’re going to do everything we can to assist in any way,” Haslam said. “It’s a sad situation anytime there’s a school bus with children involved, which there is in this case.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Marjorie Fournet Seals says
They all have too drive to get them to school. I wasn’t in Tennessee but I believe if driving was the only reason.— I think the school are putting too much on the the drivers to get the children!
Arthur Hartsock says
School districts need to find the money to increase pay for bus drivers. Then they won’t have to hire these marginal workers. Higher pay will provide better applicants and hopefully better workers to choose from. Maybe the highly paid school administrations could sacrifice some of their pay ‘for the good of the children?’ This money could be transferred to bus drivers. But I have doubts that this will happen.
American Citizen says
The folks hiring should be educated in selecting from the applicants. From his picture I would not have hired him for rabid dog catcher, let alone driving a bus with young children aboard.
John Dooley, Sr. says
I agree.
Denise says
Affirmative action. I bet there WERE better candidates to choose from.
Dane says
It’s a good thing that you are not in charge as America has worked hard to get rid of the small minded people who profile others based on a simple picture or a race.
You know nothing more about this guy than seeing his picture and reading that he has been arrested and already you have convicted him.
Your focus would more useful if directed at the suffering families and of course your own haircut
Frank F Borke says
Hmmm, Hey Dane, your the one who first said something about the haircut. I think your mind is in La La land.
Diana Bozarth says
True, He just looks young to me. Could have been a nice guy. But we do know he made a big mistake.
bub says
DRIVER’s ACTIONS + APPEARANCE = Very Good odds that the OP’s comments were accurate, based on real life vs. leftwing utopian dreams. BTW, America has not been working hard on “getting rid of” people who make rational guesses based on reality vs. wishful thinking … at least not until the leftist fraud Obama came upon the scene. The left is, however, fond of getting rid of people they disagree with, as their re-definition of the word “tolerance” is “acceptance of others, so long as they conform to ‘our’ [leftist-collective] point of view. If not, they’re more than willing to do whatever it takes to rid themselves of “the opposition.”
Too bad, Dane, we outnumber you, and we’re not only not easily “gotten ridden of,” but we bite back hard when we’re riled … and we’re mostly a lot bigger than you leftist twerps. Oh, and we don’t go off pouting and signing useless petitions when we don’t vote and then our candidate loses. For that matter, we don’t pout, period … and we DO vote, just not for criminals and people who hate what America has been and stood for for over 200 years. And one last thing: we know for a fact what sex we are and with what sex we should have sex with.
Any questions? If so, don’t ask me … I don’t have the patience to babysit.
Don Scherenberg says
It should, but it won’t happen …unfortunately
David says
Being A truck driver for 38 years with out an accident in Ohio was not because of how much money I made,it was my job to drive a truck safely,deliver my load and get it their in good shape.We had a lot of drivers at my company that were good drivers,but you had that 10% that should not have been drivers.We all made the same money,but we had that 10% that came to work late,called in sick time after time,speeding tickets,accidents that was there fault so it was not the money ,it was or is the man or women behind the wheel that is to blame unless something happen to the vehicle or was cause by something or someone to cause the accident,agin money is not the problem he was the problem.
BARBARA KENNEDY says
exactly, HOW TRUE
Ms.Vickie T says
I agree with you, David. It’s not the money, it’s the mindset. There are some people who just never developed a good work ethic. There are some who feel entitled to steal from the company to make up for their lack of pay or slack off because they feel that they don’t earn enough. I just never understood that way of thinking. If one accepts a job offer, then they should work as hard as possible to do that job to the best of their ability. I always knew what the rate of pay was and the responsibilities that I would have prior to accepting any job and I don’t know anyone who hasn’t known that. There is such a thing as pride in yourself and in your work. It’s really too bad that more people don’t find value in their work above the money.
John G. says
He was entrusted with all those young lives – no excuse at least life in prison would prefer the death penalty, but I certain O’bozo the “Big Eared” Clown will intervene on his behalf so they can have a beer together at the White House. JERKS ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
T4WH says
Bottom line here,,, There is a lot of families involved,, the kids families and the drivers family. The photo of the driver
in it’s self, gives a bad impression of the guy to begin with. I would like to wait and see what an investigation about him comes up with before making a decision as to what should be done. Don’t judge him by this photo.
I can not imagine all the pain and grief in all the people involved with this tragic accident. Let these people have time to grieve and come to terms with it before we start slandering anyone.
Bke says
No matter what the outcome this young man will have to live with the lives of 5 or 6 young children’s deaths for the rest of his life. Sad for all concerned. Prayers for everyone.
Ms.Vickie T says
I do pray that there is a thorough investigation into this and appropriate punishment meted out, if this young man is guilty of wrongdoing. The school system should re-evaluate it’s hiring policies and do a complete and thorough background check prior to hiring any driver of any age to transport the children. You would think that these checks would be mandatory, but different states have different requirements. I don’t know what they are in TN. I will definitely be praying for the children involved, their families, the driver and his family. This is a true tragedy and I pray that it was not done on purpose, which would be even worse than just an accident. We will just have to wait and see what the investigations prove.
S R says
John G–whoever, where ever you are, your comments give a big clue as to what kind of person you are—a quite ignorant one, for sure. At such a horrific time as this, I am sure the affected loved ones and the community would rather be blessed with love not such profound hatred as described by you. The despicable words of YOURS are certainly misplace. Actually, you better fit the descriptive words that spewed from your mouth. You must have had a few beers prior to your writing this. Praying for you, too.
David MacKAY says
Obviously none of your kids were killed or maimed for life – go jump off your ivory tower.
Justin W says
The black box on the bus should answer a lot of questions. I’m not sure what kind of training is required of Tennessee school bus drivers. It will be interesting to see what turns up in this driver’s driving record.
As always, this guy is presumed innocent until found guilty. I’m sure he will have his chance to make his case as this heads toward trial.
larry Bee says
O’bozo the “Big Eared” Clown: Look at he’s history. He cares about know one. I really don’t expect him to utter a word about this. But I’m with you John G.. there is no excuse for these 6 children to be dead. The ASS should be Put to Death!
Henry Flynn says
You need to improve your grammar and spelling! You make yourself look like an under educated person.
I am sure your heart is in the right place.
randy says
Johnthony Walker looks like Obama’s son.
BTW what kind of a name is Johnthony? Part John part Anthony, mom couldn’t figure which was the twerp’s father, so he got a blended name. My goodness.
Deborah B. says
As a retired bus driver, I must concur that school bus drivers are underpaid. Yes, this is usually a part-time job, but what other area of a school system are you responsible for up to 50 or more children with no immediate help while running your route. The school teacher always has another teacher, principal, or facility employee available when children are unruly, loud, sick, fighting, or injured. School bus drivers take on a lot of personal responsibility; possibly more than any other education employee. Most school bus drivers are careful and follow the rules regardless of compensation, but the responsible driver choices for employment would be greatly enhanced if pay was increased. Some systems are begging for drivers but are only willing to pay slightly over minimum wage. The tragedy in Tennessee probably happened as a direct result of the hiring of some people due to low wages incompatible with experience and responsibility requirements. Board of Educations everywhere should re-examine what type of applicant pool is attracted for highly responsible positions when low wages are offered!
Parent says
I live in Tennessee and I have a child that takes the school bus everyday to school. He is in elementary school. I hate to judge on a picture, but for me, if you have a child that you are entrusting to someone else to keep safe and you know nothing about them, I would not even let my child on the school bus if I seen that this was the driver of a bus. To me a 24 year old is a child themselves and should not be driving a bus for school kids, he is barely out of school himself. I know that i am judging, but when you are talking about children, everyone judges to an extent, especially when you are trusting them with your own child.
Delois says
I would fire the incompetent stupid person that hired this piece of crap. Probably one of his kind that just couldn’t turn down a brother. No let him have the job, after all he’s a minority. Who cares if he has a brain or not, hire him anyway. The board of education should be sued for hiring him.
Dane says
One of his kind?
What an idiot!!
Maybe it was one of your kind, an ignorant loud mouthed racist fool.
They say that you can take the trash out of the trailer, but you can’t take the trailer out if the trash.
I think that statement refers to you!!
Diana Bozarth says
agreed
Doug says
My heart and prayers go out to all those suffering from this senseless tragedy, buses can be equipped with governors for speed control. Do all buses go the speed limit in my area NO! I’m surprised more accidents . The students don’t have to be buckled up ! But in passenger cars they have to be in car seats and booster seats that protect the child! Does this make sense! We all need to obey the speed limits what’s your hurry ! God have mercy on those suffering
female tax payor says
Yea and a picture paints a thousand words. This is not the picture of conscientious driver Martha or Uncle Fred who knows traffic & safety laws inside & out & takes pride in focusing only on his job of saftly transporting precious cargo entrusted to him, while on the job….
female tax payor says
To me… hear both sides of comments….but to me comes down to 2 things..1) public busing of school children falls into a voluntary student -aid program. Its a costly “service” that each school district weighs its own pros & cons on. As such, like crossing guards, lunch time volunteers etc. there’s not budget for, community and concerned parent good will & participation are needed to make such possible. 2) But subsidizing with good will & volunteers doesn’t guarantee that people who “offer to help” for little pay or no pay are GOOD. Like border crossers, WAKE UP PARENTS!!!! if your school is not “vetting” volunteers, not “vetting” token pay people who say they are not concerned about little to no pay…they just want open access to your children….WAKE UP! No schools don’t need to pay more… they do need to “VET”. America has zillions of honest, law abiding, child safety conscious who will donate their morning time to safely driving our children…and love it. Ask, receive, Vet volunteers. That is solution. May Trump’s call for extreme vetting trickle down…
Mike E says
It sure seems to me like there are many people judging this young man before the real facts are known. Was the bus run off the road by another driver that didn’t stop? Were the kids being over active distracting the driver? Regardless, the facts haven’t been released so all these comments are BS. What if this was a picture of some young perky lady or a picture of a woman that was near to how you would picture Mrs. Santa Claus should look like. Wait for the facts!
Robert Hagedorn says
@ Mike E: I agree. But will The Horn do follow up on this story after the facts are discovered and/or the trial ends? I doubt it. The story itself plays much more effectively on emotions than will the resolution of the story.
george milton says
There is a margin of buffer which is universally about 15 MPH over the limit which is considered misdemeanor speeding. If it is revealed he was going 20 over or more this guy would be likely found guilty of six counts of “manslaughter during the commission of a felony” which means he wont breath free air again for many decades if ever again.
Carolyn Brack-Jackson says
These poor children, these poor parents!
Diana Bozarth says
Very sad this young man will have to live with this the rest of his life. Prayers for the families of the lost children.
Marc Jeric says
Nobody has mentioned the possibility that the driver was drugged-up or otherwise intoxicated, or perhaps he was an affirmative action subject.
Roger says
Louisiana is praying for all the devastated family’s!
RJintheUSA says
Wow some of the comments are in line with the Trump protesters. We have more real criminals in Washington D.C. and in numerous positions of power that have harmed thousands to millions that aren’t held to the same standards as the average American. By all means vet someone for their job to make sure they are qualified. Sounds like the people in New York that were so angry that ex-felons were hired to be firemen. Are you kidding me? As long as that person wasn’t convicted of arson or burning someone to death why does it matter if they have paid their debt to society? Same thing with the Second Amendment where it makes clear that a persons right to bear arms shall not be infringed upon, didn’t say unless we don’t like them, or because they make us fear.
There was a time in America where you were prosecuted to the full extent of the law and you did major time. Upon release and the serving of your sentence your rights as an American were yours again, and that included the right to bear arms. Now we have this big business called the prison system that benefits from the revolving door justice system and keeping the public in a constant state of fear guarantees this will continue to be the case.
I am glad the Lord doesn’t judge the way man does or there would be a lot of people going straight to hell. I would like to hear all the facts before passing judgment on this person, but with what has been learned so far does not bode well for him.
Frank Wilson says
I pray the parents,families and friends receive God’s consolation for the dead and injured children as a result of this terrible school bus crash. Also, may the driver receive justice, and God’s consolation. All school bus drivers, driving a school bus with students riding with them, should have a full time bus aide to deal with student problems, so the driver can concentrate on driving safely. School Boards need to ADEQUATELY fund qualified bus drivers and aides even if it means reducing all school football teams from 40 player,11 person squads, to 6 player,18 person squads which would require less equipment, fewer coaches, and might result in fewer player injuries. Of course it would save money. To me the priority is the safe transporting of our students daily to and from school, and to and from school activities