John Anderson of Shreveport, Louisiana says he's still in shock, but he's holding it together after tragedy unfolded instantly right before his eyes while traveling with church members on Interstate 59/20.
"All our children were on that bus," First Baptist Church of Shreveport Member John Anderson said.
It happened around 10 in the morning near mile marker 163 as First Baptist Church members of Shreveport were heading to a youth camp in Macon Georgia. Anderson says the mid-sized church bus he and 22 others were traveling on overturned.
"One of the rear tires blew out and the bus started fish tailing and went out of control and flipped over three times," Anderson said.
23 people aboard, mostly youth grades 7-12, including Anderson's daughter who is a camp counselor that's pregnant, but made it out OK. All suffered injures, some in critical condition and were rushed to Meridian hospitals. Anderson says a young man died at Jeff Anderson hospital and two young ladies are fighting for their lives after being airlifted to the University Medial Center in Jackson.
"It's tough on all of us because we know these kids and they are all like family," Anderson said.
Skids marks and what's left of the tires are still visible. The impact was so tremendous that it created this huge gouge mark. It was a multi-agency rescue effort including the Mississippi Highway Patrol but passengers says a group of Alabama National Guardsmen were like angels, happening to be driving by and helped in the effort. But Anderson says it was local church pastors like Carl White of Highland Baptist Church of Meridian that have kept everyone in good spirits as they cope with this tragedy.
'It's just been a remarkable show of Christian love and we couldn't be more thankful," Anderson said.
Patrolmen say the accident is still under investigation. Many of the passengers have been released and are waiting on parents and other loved ones.
"We will be here and help these families as long as we need to."
FBC Shreveport's web site quotes the church's pastor, Dr. Greg Hunt, as saying, "Our congregation is leaning on our faith and confidence in God, balancing direct action with reliance on the goodness and power of God.''
The church's complete statement can be found at http://www.fbcshreveport.org
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Shreveport church bus overturns in Mississippi
Our bus carrying our youth to Macon, Ga., overturned near Meridian, Miss., Sunday morning leaving several seriously injured. We know now that one of the youth on board has died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.
The church bus was carrying 23 teenagers and adults when a tire blew out causing the bus to rollover near the visitor center on Interstate 20 near Meridian.
One teen was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. The other injured
were taken to three hospitals in Meridian.
The wrecker driver who responded to the scene reported that a bus load of U.S. Soldiers stopped and assisted with the injured. They provided medical emergency support and even turned the bus upright.
A number of parents were enroute to Meridian and Jackson by car and air.
Support was being provided by a number of churches in Meridian.
Dr. Greg Hunt, Senior Pastor at First Baptist, expresses appreciation for everyone on location who has provided heroic support. "Our congregation is leaning on our faith and confidence in God, balancing direct action with reliance on the goodness and power of God."
The congregation got word of the accident shortly before morning worship and used the occasion to rally together in prayer and move into action.
The youth group was scheduled to attend the weeklong event, Passport.
(Please understand, because we are dealing with minors and health issues, we are limited in the information that we can provide on the internet.)
http://www.fbcshreveport.org
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My daughter essentially went through Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is getting counseling for it. She told her story to the counselor;the counselor cried.She will not tell me much.This greatly affected such a young group.
cyberpower14 2 years ago
I was on it. I'm one of the ones that was under it and then air lifted, thank yall so much for your prayers. I felt them and we are truly blessed. Our God is such a gracious God and we couldn't be any more thankful. It was not the drivers fault. As soon as the tire blew, it was out of anyones hands. Rest in peace Maggie, we love you and miss you.
larmurk 2 years ago
The tyre was bald - no tread and waiting to blow. The Bus owners are responsible for this tragedy.
bollidear 2 years ago
how is it the bus drivers fault if the tire blew out?
HazaaStrokinIt 2 years ago
my friend is Lauren Murchison. Pray for her.
emmagoes2byrd 2 years ago