Buses crash near Fordyce UPDATE
Local stations are reporting that three buses carrying Grambling State University band members were involvevd in a crash on Highway 167 near Fordyce. Nine to twelve students were injured in the accident. Injuries, according to reports, are minor. The students were on their way to Little Rock to play at War Memorial Stadium tomorrow during the Grambling State, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff game.
UPDATED INFORMATION:
STATE POLICE:
At approximately 2:40 this afternoon (Friday, November 6th) the Arkansas State Police was notified of a motor-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 167, seven miles north of Fordyce. Four buses were initially reported to be involved in the crash with multiple injuries at the crash scene.
State Police have cleared the highway and begun interviewing passengers from the buses who are students of Grambling State University and members of the school's marching band. The buses were northbound on Highway 167 destined for Little Rock.
A preliminary report from the State Trooper assigned to the investigation indicates the lead bus had passed over a bridge along the highway; however the second bus slowed, then stopped for a southbound vehicle carrying an oversized load. As the second bus stopped the third bus collided with the rear of the second bus causing a chain reaction with the fourth bus which struck the third bus.
An investigation of the crash is continuing at this hour. The buses were carrying 126 students. Twelve students and one bus driver were transported from the crash scene to a Fordyce hospital. None of the injuries appear to be life threatening.
