Emergency personnel scrambled to the aid after a charter bus carrying 16 members of the Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech) coed bowling team was involved in a rollover crash this morning on I-65 southbound near the 22 mile marker.
The bus belongs to Ohio-based Excursions Trailways.
All 21 passengers were transported to three area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
“Our hearts go out to the Hoosiers impacted by this morning’s bus crash in southern Indiana. The State of Indiana is coordinating a multi-agency response, with Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter traveling now to the area,” Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said in a statement. “As law enforcement and emergency personnel respond to this situation, we urge all Hoosiers to hold these men and women in their thoughts and prayers.”
Eight passengers were transported to Scott Memorial Hospital in Scottsburg, one was transported to Clark County Hospital in Jeffersonville, and twelve were transported to University of Louisville Hospital.
Both ground and air ambulances were utilized to transport the injured.
One passenger at U of L Hospital was listed in serious condition.
I-65 southbound was closed for approximately three hours as Indiana State Police Troopers and reconstructionist investigated the crash scene. Traffic was temporarily diverted on to southbound US 31 in Scottsburg.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:25 this morning as the team was traveling to Smyrna Tennessee to compete in a United States Bowling Congress Sectional Competition.
A preliminary investigation reveals that the commercial charter bus was south bound I-65 just north of the Henryville Rest Park when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle partially drove off the east side of the roadway and into the median.
The vehicle then drove back onto the roadway and crossed over both southbound lanes of travel before continuing off the west side of the roadway.
After leaving the roadway, the bus spun clockwise and overturned as it traveled down the embankment on the west side of the interstate. The bus came to rest facing north.
More information on this crash will be released as it becomes available.
