A bus carrying the Aliquippa Junior High School football team crashed Saturday morning in Economy Borough, Beaver County, sending more than 20 children and adults to hospitals. The players were on their way to face Pine-Richland High School when the vehicle lost control on a sharp bend. Authorities confirmed that one child remains in critical condition, while others have been discharged after treatment. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
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Bus Crash Details
The accident happened around 11 a.m. on Shaffer Road in Economy Borough, about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh. The bus was carrying 28 people, including 25 students, a driver, and two adults. According to Economy Borough Police Chief Michael O’Brien, 21 children and the driver were transported to nearby hospitals. O’Brien described the location of the crash as “a bad bend” and noted that investigators are working to determine the cause.
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Hospitalizations And Conditions
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh reported that it received 20 child patients from the crash. All but one were discharged later in the day. That student underwent surgery and was last listed in critical condition. Allegheny General Hospital confirmed that it admitted two patients but did not release details on their conditions.
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How The Crash Happened
A source close to the investigation told KDKA-TV that the bus veered off the road while rounding a bend, hitting a hillside before tipping and then landing upright again. In the process, the bus struck a utility pole, bringing down live wires. Some players had to carefully navigate the wires as they exited the vehicle. Multiple emergency response teams from Beaver and Allegheny counties assisted at the scene.
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School District Response
Aliquippa School District Superintendent Dr. Phillip K. Woods announced that all junior high football practices and games for the following week have been canceled. A parent meeting is scheduled for Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Black Box theater to answer questions and provide updates. Mental health resources will also be available for students and staff starting Monday.
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Governor And Officials React
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Aliquippa community. “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,” Shapiro said. Mayor Dwan Walker of Aliquippa emphasized the city’s gratitude for the support, adding, “When something like this happens to our babies, everybody should respond without question.”
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Community Vigil Held
Later Saturday evening, residents gathered at Louis ‘Lefty’ Cepull Memorial Park for a vigil. Families, players, and supporters came together in prayer and reflection for those affected. The community showed strong unity in the wake of the incident, with both local leaders and parents thanking first responders and hospital staff for their swift action.
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Ongoing Investigation
Police officials confirmed that the investigation is still active and focused on determining the cause of the crash. Investigators will examine the sharp bend where the bus veered off, as well as the condition of the vehicle and driver. Until the results are made public, authorities continue urging patience as families recover and the community regroups.