In a harrowing act of bravery, an unidentified highway patrol officer sprang into action to save lives in a still-burning bus after a deadly collision on Interstate 70 in Ohio. Newly-released body camera footage captured the officer's heroic efforts as he pulled over and rushed to the scene, determined to rescue any students still trapped inside.

The footage released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows the officer making a quick U-turn upon spotting smoke billowing from the devastating crash that occurred on November 14. Concerned for the safety of potential survivors, the officer immediately stopped at the highway median and anxiously inquired if everyone had been rescued.

A panicked bystander informed the officer that there were children on the bus who were unable to be reached. Without hesitation, the officer grabbed a fire extinguisher from the trunk of his patrol car and sprinted towards the scene.

His first priority was a red passenger car, where he successfully urged the 75-year-old driver to exit and find safety. Once the driver was out of harm's way, the officer fearlessly approached the still-engulfed bus. Despite the flames raging in the back rows, the officer shouted, "Anyone here? Anyone?" desperately seeking any sign of survivors.

Joined by other courageous individuals who followed his lead, the officer conducted a headcount of the students on board. Heartbreakingly, three high school students, 18-year-old John Mosely, 18-year-old Jeffery Worrell, and 15-year-old Katelyn Owens, were pronounced dead at the scene. These young lives were tragically cut short in the horrific collision.

In addition to the students, a teacher, Dave Kennat (56), and two chaperones, Kristy Gaynor (39) and Shannon Wigfield (45), who were traveling in a separate vehicle behind the bus, also lost their lives. Eighteen others suffered injuries, including the elderly driver whom the officer rescued.

According to state officials, the crash occurred when two passenger vehicles and a bus slowed down for traffic. Regrettably, a Freightliner semi-truck operated by Mid State Systems failed to maintain a safe distance and rear-ended a Nissan SUV carrying chaperones, pushing it into the bus. The subsequent chain reaction involved a Toyota and a Volvo truck.

Troopers confirmed that the Freightliner driver, Jacob McDonald, was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. However, it has been revealed that McDonald and Mid State Systems have previously faced citations for issues such as defective brakes and excessive working hours. Brake-related violations and concerns about inadequate brake systems were evident in inspections conducted prior to the tragic incident.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio had previously accused Mid State Systems of multiple violations, including brake system issues and excessive weight. In a settlement less than three weeks before the crash, Mid State Systems was fined for brake-related problems. A separate letter from the commission alleged violations involving the Volvo truck operated by GA Wintzer & Son Co., citing brake connection issues, insecure load, and inadequate brakes for safe stopping.

In response, Mid State Systems expressed condolences to the affected families and GA Wintzer & Son Co. disputed the commission's findings, attributing the conditions to the accident itself.

The devastating bus crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of negligence. As investigations continue into the tragic incident, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and we extend our wishes for a full recovery to those injured in this horrific accident.

Sources:
ABC News - "Newly released video shows Ohio officer running into burning bus to save its passengers" - November 17, 2021
WCMH - "Traffic moving again along I-70 in west Columbus area after deadly crash involving a bus" - November 15, 2021
WHIO - "Bus driver killed in fiery crash involving multiple vehicles on I-70 identified" - November 15, 2021.