28 people injured in camp bus crash in Fayette County

Almost 30 people, most of whom are juveniles, were taken to local hospitals after a crash involving a camp bus in Fayette County on Wednesday.

The crash happened just after 8 a.m. at the intersection of Pine Slopes Road and Indian Creek Valley Road in Saltlick Township.

A “multi-function” school bus drove off the side of the road, crashed into a wooden fence, and came to rest in a field, according to state police. They say the bus was carrying kids and adults with the Christian Camps of Pittsburgh.

“At that point, troopers and first responders had to aid everyone on that multi-function bus, because it was filled,” said State Trooper Rocco Gagliardi.

Twenty-eight people were taken to nearby hospitals. Twenty five of them are minors.

“Through relations of different first responders and medics, everything seemed somewhat more minor than usual, but if anyone relayed any which injury to troopers or medics, they were sent to the hospital to get evaluated,” Gagliardi said.

The bus just barely missed a utility pole when it crashed into the fence and field. Troopers say it could have been worse.

“That’s a big game changer,” Gagliardi said. “If it does hit that pole, you’re looking at a direct impact with a more solid object tied to the ground than a traditional fence post.”

Troopers said the investigation will look at the bus for any mechanical issues that may have caused the crash. The driver is being tested for drugs and alcohol, which they say is standard procedure for a bus crash.

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