The Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a single-vehicle school bus crash that occurred early Tuesday morning, May 14, on State Route 125 in Tiffin Township, Adams County.
According to the preliminary report, the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. when a 2018 Thomas Built school bus belonging to the Adams County Ohio Valley School District veered off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle, driven by 30-year-old Russell Ricketts Jr. of Manchester, struck a culvert, an embankment, and a large rock before coming to a stop.
At the time of the crash, the bus was transporting sixteen students. Thirteen of those students were taken to local medical facilities for treatment of minor, non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Ricketts also sustained minor injuries. Authorities confirmed that Ricketts was wearing a seatbelt when the incident occurred.
Emergency crews from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, West Union Fire and EMS, and Manchester Fire and EMS responded promptly to the scene and assisted with rescue and medical care efforts.
In a public statement issued later that morning, the Adams County Ohio Valley School District assured the community that all students who received medical treatment at Adams County Regional Medical Center had been cleared and released. All students involved in the crash have since been reunited with their families.
“This morning, an Adams County Ohio Valley School District bus was involved in a transportation-related incident. Emergency personnel responded promptly and provided immediate assistance to everyone on board,” the district said. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
The school district confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the Highway Patrol and other emergency services as the investigation into the cause of the crash continues.
No further details have been released at this time. The crash remains under investigation by the Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
