Students, driver injured following Magoffin school bus crash

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

MAGOFFIN — Kentucky State Police are investigating a single-vehicle collision involving a Magoffin County school bus on Ky. 40/Horsepen Fork that happened at approximately 7:21 a.m. Monday.

A total of 19 people were on the bus, including the driver and 18 students, and the initial investigation indicates the bus was traveling west on Ky. 40 when it exited the roadway and went over an embankment, landing on its side.

The children range from elementary, middle and high school, and injuries range from minor to critical, according to a KSP release.

“As of the time of this statement, there are no reported fatalities, but the students and driver have varying degrees of injuries,” the Magoffin County School District said in a release Monday. “They have been transported by ambulance or helicopter to regional hospitals. The district would like to thank everyone that extended a helping hand at the scene of the accident. Please keep all families in your thoughts and prayers.”

Gov. Andy Beshear also issued a statement announcing the bus crash and saying KSP is “responding swiftly.”

Magoffin County officials held a press conference Monday and answered several questions, including one regarding whether the bus had any seatbelts. The response was that it did not.

Details of the collision are under investigation.

KSP was assisted on the scene by KSP Post 9 and Post 13 personnel; volunteer fire departments from Magoffin, Morgan, Johnson and Floyd counties; Emergent, Lifeguard, Jan Care and NetCare ambulance services; and Air Evac.