CLARK COUNTY, Ohio — Northwestern Local Schools canceled classes Wednesday after an elementary school bus overturned in an accident Tuesday morning, leaving 23 students hospitalized and one student dead.

What You Need To Know

  • At least 22 students had non-life-threatening injuries, one had serious injuries and another student was reported dead on the scene

  • On Tuesday, at 8:16 a.m. on Troy Road, also known as State Route 41, the bus was driving westbound when a 2010 Honda Odyssey driving eastbound crossed the center line

  • The school bus was operated by Alfred E. Collier, 68, who had minor injuries

  • The minivan driver, Hermanio Joseph, 35, and passenger, Roberto Mompremier, 37, were transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center

At least 22 students had non-life-threatening injuries, one had serious injuries and another student was reported dead after being ejected from the crash.

Gov. Mike DeWine posted on X, formerly Twitter, offering condolences to those affected in the crash.

Northwestern Local Schools posted on their Facebook page that the district has grief counselors available for anyone who needs support following the accident.

The buildings opened at 8 a.m. for those wanting to speak with a mental health specialist.

The community is having a prayer service for the children involved in the crash, including the student who passed away. The vigil is at 6 p.m. at 3131 Foxhollow Road. 

Sgt. Tyler Ross of Ohio State Highway Patrol public affairs said the bus was transporting 52 students to Northwestern Local Schools when the accident occurred. 

On Tuesday, at 8:16 a.m. on Troy Road, also known as State Route 41, the bus was driving westbound when a 2010 Honda Odyssey driving eastbound crossed the center line. The bus went off the right side of the road to avoid contact, but still collided with the minivan and overturned.

The school bus was operated by Alfred E. Collier, 68, of Springfield. Collier suffered minor injuries but was not transported to the hospital. 

The German Township Police and Fire, Clark County Sheriff and Ohio State Patrol all responded to the scene. The Springfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

State Route 41 remained closed near the school, which canceled its afternoon preschool program. The school posted that students would be dismissed at their usual time, but that it expected delays with drop-off after school for bus-riding students.

The minivan driver, Hermanio Joseph, 35, and passenger, Roberto Mompremier, 37, were transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center.

The district shared two Facebook posts alerting parents to the accident Tuesday morning.

"Good morning Northwestern families. There has been a bus accident on one of our elementary routes," the first post said. "We will share more information once details are available."

The second post said parents would be notified shortly if their child was involved in the accident and where they could pick their children up.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.