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A tragic accident occurred in Chattanooga on Monday around 3:30 in the afternoon. A school bus carrying 37 children flipped over and split apart in an accident. There were five deaths in which four of the five were girls. The bus was carrying students from kindergarten to the fifth grade from Woodmore Elementary School. Among the five that passed were one kindergartner, one first grader, and three fourth graders. Out of the 32 survivors, six remain in intensive care.

The cause of the accident seems to be speed. Due to reports by witnesses and physical evidence, it is obvious that the driver was going way faster than the given speed limit of 30 mph. The arrest affidavit states that the bus was traveling on a “narrow-winding” road when the driver lost control causing the bus to swerve off the road hitting a high driveway and mailbox and after swerving left hitting a telephone pole and tree.

School Bus Accident Rocks Community

The elementary school states that students don’t have to come to school today. For those who do choose to still attend, there will be counselors available. The school wants to ensure that all of the kids get the care that they need.

The school bus driver, Johnny Walker, who is 24 years old has been arrested and is being charged with five counts of vehicular manslaughter, reckless endangerment and driving. He is being held with a $20,000 bond. The court set his preliminary date for November 29. Until then, he could still receive more charges. Also, a warrant has been issued to retrieve the black box inside the bus in order to better find out what happened. The school has agreed to cooperate.

This is an unimaginable tragedy that Chattanooga faces right now. From all of us at Charlotte Car Transport, our hearts go out to the parents and the school community.