School Bus Driver Charged After Multiple Elementary Students Died in Chattanooga

The driver of the school bus that crashed near Chattanooga has been arrested and charged with five counts of vehicular manslaughter.

Johnthony Walker, 24, is in custody.

The district’s attorney’s office has confirmed six elementary students in Chattanooga have died and many more are hurt after the school bus they were on crashed and wrapped around a tree.

The severity of the others’ injuries has not yet been reported.

Thirty-five students were on the bus at the time of the crash, WDEF reported.

Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher had said 23 of them have been taken to the hospital, but there may be more kids hurt, as crews were still working on rescuing people who were trapped.

Everyone has since been freed from the bus, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department.

It is unclear at this time what led to the crash, but police said the bus driver is cooperating with them.

The school district said it is bringing in extra counselors to offer support.

Here are some common rule of always stopping for a stopped school bus is not always correct:

Always Stop for a School Bus, when…

1. Approaching behind a school bus when its’ lights flash yellow and red.
2. Driving on either side of a 2-lane highway, both sides of traffic must always stop! for a stopped school bus.

Never Stop for a School Bus, when…

1. Driving on the opposite side of traffic, on a 4-lane highway.

This is the common mistake most motorists make when approaching a stopped school bus.

If you are driving on the opposite side of the traffic of a school bus, on a 4-lane highway, always proceed with caution, but always keep moving! Stopping will impede traffic and may cause accidents.

For more safe driving information or safe driving practices, A-1 Driving Schools has 19 convenient locations around metro Atlanta that all offer defensive driving courses! For more information please call (770)962-9555 or visit us at www.a1drivingschools.com.

Our condolences go to the family and friends of those involved in this tragic accident.