A frightening start to the school day turned into a testament of teamwork and fast action after a school bus crash on State Route 125 sent 13 students and their driver to area hospitals with minor injuries early Wednesday morning.
The crash happened around 6:30 a.m. on May 14, when a 2018 Thomas Built school bus from the Adams County Ohio Valley School District veered off the right side of the road, struck a culvert, an embankment, and a large rock before coming to a stop. The bus, driven by 30-year-old Russell Ricketts Jr. of Manchester, was carrying 16 students at the time.
According to investigators with the Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 13 of those students were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Adams County Regional Medical Center. Ricketts also received treatment for minor injuries. Officials say he was wearing a seatbelt.
District and Emergency Responders Spring Into Action
In a statement, the Adams County Ohio Valley School District (ACOVSD) praised emergency personnel and district staff for their quick response, noting, “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
“All students seen at ACRMC have been released to their parents,” the district confirmed. “We are grateful to report that no life-threatening injuries have been identified.”
While parents were notified by district staff, some families learned of the incident through their children or neighbors. One parent commented online, “My son was on this bus… I want to say a huge thank you to ACOVSD for being so prompt and making sure my son was okay and keeping me informed. Also thank you to EMS for taking such good care of my son and keeping him calm and safe until I could be there.”
Another parent noted they appreciated seeing district staff on the scene and at the hospital, though they first heard the news from their child.
Investigation Ongoing
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Adams County Sheriff’s Office, West Union Fire and EMS, and Manchester Fire and EMS all assisted at the scene.
School Bus Safety Reminder
While this incident had a positive outcome in terms of injury severity, it serves as a reminder of the importance of school bus safety — both for drivers and the community.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with their children about safety on and around school buses. Drivers, meanwhile, are reminded to always slow down near school buses and follow all stop-arm laws.
The community’s quick response and the dedication of first responders and school staff turned a potential tragedy into a story of resilience and care. As one parent said, “It could have been so much worse. I’m just thankful everyone is okay.”
