Several members of the University of Washington marching band are recovering after one of their charter buses flipped over in a terrifying accident Thursday night, and the band will not be performing during Friday night’s game against cross-state rival Washington State.
One of six buses transporting the Washington band to Pullman lost control and rolled onto its side on an icy stretch of highway, State Trooper John Bryant told Sara Jean Green of the Seattle Times. Roughly 45 of the 56 people on board were taken to a local hospital and treated for injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, with the remaining passengers taken to a local elementary school to be assessed by medics.
Here’s some footage from the scene:
WSP: Too early to say if speed was a factor in these icy conditions — Tire tread, brakes will be examined as part of investigation. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/MrNb8tLRUm
— Michael Spears (@MichaelKIRO7) November 23, 2018
According to a Friday update from MarchingBand.com, the band ended up missing a scheduled Thanksgiving dinner in Spokane after the crash, so members of the community brought food and other items to the elementary school where the passengers were transported.
Husky band bus rolled on the way to Pullman. We're fine, but shaken up and holed up in an elementary school to regroup. A radio station put out a call and the town of George answered: families left their thanksgiving dinners to bring us leftovers and hot food. pic.twitter.com/Dko6bW7hQa
— Patrick (@patstant) November 23, 2018
As a result of the incident, the Washington band is planning to stay in a hotel on Friday night and will not attend the game against Washington State. Fortunately, it does not sound like anyone who was on the bus will be facing any long-term physical health issues.
