A bus carrying the Aliquippa Junior High School football team crashed Saturday morning in Economy Borough, Pennsylvania, injuring 21 people—most of them students. The team was en route to an away game when the incident occurred on a dangerous curve along Shaffer Road, just north of Pittsburgh.
Authorities reported that the crash happened at approximately 9:55 a.m. The bus, carrying 25 student-athletes, two coaches, and the driver, tipped onto its side while navigating a bend and became entangled in live power lines. Emergency responders acted swiftly to evacuate everyone onboard. During the rescue efforts, the vehicle was flipped upright as part of the evacuation process.
Of the 28 occupants, 21 were hospitalized. At least one student was airlifted to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh in critical condition. Others were transported to UPMC Children’s Hospital and Heritage Valley Sewickley for treatment. The driver and coaches were reportedly unharmed. No third-party vehicles were involved in the crash, and local police are continuing their investigation into the cause.
Aliquippa’s mayor, Dwan Walker, made a public plea for support, saying, “Please pray for our babies.” Community leaders expressed gratitude to emergency responders and pledged to provide resources to affected families.
In a statement, Superintendent Phillip Woods confirmed that all junior high football practices and games are suspended until further notice. A special meeting for parents is scheduled for Monday evening, and mental health support is being arranged for students and families.
Governor Josh Shapiro also responded, expressing concern and offering state support. “We are standing with the Aliquippa community during this difficult time,” he said in a statement.
Later that evening, a vigil was held in Aliquippa’s Louis “Lefty” Cepull Memorial Park. Dozens gathered to offer prayers and support for the injured students and their families.
The crash has raised renewed concerns over school transportation safety, especially for athletic programs that frequently require long travel. Parents and local officials are now pushing for a review of transport protocols and road hazard assessments in the region.
