***NOTE: This story is updated to include information from a statement released by Iowa Lakes Community College; reportedly at least one fatality; team was enroute to Arkansas for a game Thursday***
(Pomeroy)– A charter bus carrying members of the Iowa Lakes Community College crashed late this (Wed.) morning on Highway 4 just west of Twin Lakes, south of Pomeroy. Reports indicate that the bus rolled multiple times. It happened a little after 11:00 am.
The Iowa State Patrol says 33 people were on board. 32 were triaged on the scene. Some were seriously injured and were flown to area hospitals. At least one fatality has been confirmed. Six others in an Iowa Lakes Community College van, which was not involved in the crash, were uninjured.
The crash resulted in the closure of Highway 4 in that area. The road remained closed as of early this (Wed.) afternoon but has since reopened.
A statement released this (Wed.) afternoon by Iowa Lakes Community College states that “out of respect for the privacy of those involved and their families, the college will not be releasing names or additional details at this time”. It goes on to say that the college is working closely with local authorities and emergency responders to gather confirmed information. The statement also says “the safety and well being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. The college is actively supporting those affected and communicating directly with families”.
The team was enroute to Arkansas for a game Thursday (Feb. 12th) at North Arkansas College in Harrison, Arkansas. That college issued a statement extending their prayers to ILCC and the team.
We’ll have additional details as they’re made available.
