NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact: Capt. Christian T. Ricks

Q2046 (573) 526-6115

Cpl. Al Nothum, Troop C

314-340-4000



February 25, 2004

EMPHASIS: Pike County Fatal Traffic Crash Involves School Bus



The Missouri State Highway Patrol is currently working a fatal traffic crash in Pike County involving a Bowling Green school bus and a fully loaded dump truck. Troop C’s Public Information Officer Corporal Al Nothum is on the scene and has requested the following information be provided to the media.



At 3:26 p.m. today’s date, the Patrol was informed of a traffic crash between a Bowling Green school bus and a dump truck loaded with asphalt on Business 54 within the city limits of Bowling Green. Several Patrol officers have been dispatched to the scene and are being assisted by officers from the Bowling Green Police Department and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.



One student has been fatally injured and information concerning that student will not be released until the next of kin have been notified. The driver of the school bus and two other individuals have been airlifted to St. Louis area hospitals with serious injuries. Twenty-seven students were transported to Pike County Memorial Hospital in Louisiana, MO, and Audrain Medical Center in Mexico, MO, with varying degrees of injuries.



The Patrol’s Major Crash Investigation Team from Troop C has been dispatched to the scene and will conduct a full investigation. Further information will be made available as soon as the proper individuals can be notified and more information is known.