One Dead, Dozens Injured in Iowa Lakes Community College Bus Crash

A horrifying situation unfolded in Calhoun County, IA yesterday morning when a bus carrying student athletes in Iowa crashed en route to Harrison, AR.

The crash involved the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team and was described as a "mass casualty incident" when it occurred. One died in the crash and all 33 people on board were injured when the crash happened on Iowa Highway 4 near 220th Street, west of Twin Lakes in Calhoun County.

READ MORE: How You Can Directly Help the Victims of the Iowa Lakes Bus Crash

Details on the Crash are Still Emerging:

At this time, it's unclear who died in the bus crash, but the person was pronounced dead on the scene. Iowa State Patrol Trooper Paul Gardner confirmed with KCCI that 33 people on board were injured, with ailments ranging from minor to serious. The crash victims have not been publicly identified because, I imagine, there are copious amounts of families and relatives to be notified.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. This was a single-vehicle accident, and an Iowa Lakes van carrying six people was traveling with the bus, but was not involved. Highway 4 was closed for several hours yesterday, but finally opened around 2:30pm.

The Outpouring of Community Support and Response:

In the hours following the crash, a candlelight vigil was held for all involved. Iowa Lakes issued the following statement:

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 - Iowa Lakes Community College's statement on the crash, per KCCI

North Arkansas College, who was set to face off against Iowa Lakes in a four-game series taking place on February 12th and 13th, even issued a statement of their own:

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Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside the Iowa Lakes College community. The loss of a life is a tragedy that reaches far beyond one campus. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who passed away, and we are lifting up in prayer those who were injured and all who are affected. During moments like this, we are reminded that the higher education community is a family, and we stand ready to support Iowa Lakes Community College in any way we can - North Arkansas College's statement on the crash, per KCCI

Iowa Lakes has an enrollment of about 2,000 students, 85% from the state itself, per KCCI. It's such a tight-knit school that is now faced with a significant tragedy. Details on the crash are sure to be revealed in due time, but right now, my heart is with the victims and their families.

Read more about the Iowa Lakes Community College bus crash on KCCI's website.