4 Texas College Softball Players Killed When Tractor-Trailer Strikes Bus

Four members of a Texas community college’s softball team were killed Friday night when a tractor-trailer collided with their bus.

The team from North Central Texas College, was returning from a scrimmage against an Oklahoma team. A dozen more students were injured in the crash. One of the injured was listed in stable condition, another in fair condition at Norman Regional Hospital. The others were treated and released.

The accident occurred on Interstate 35 near Davis, Oklahoma. The 18 wheeler was travelling northbound when the road curved to the right. The tractor-trailer continued straight, through the median, and into the southbound lanes of the interstate, striking the bus.

After hitting the driver side of the bus, the truck continued driving for another 300 feet. Federal investigators said Sunday that there were no indications that the truck’s driver attempted to brake or avoid the collision. No problems were found with the brakes, but investigators were still downloading the vehicle’s data recorder.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Capt. Ronnie Hampton said the truck driver, Russell Staley, told investigators he was distracted by something in the truck when the accident occurred.

No charges were pending against Staley, but investigators have obtained search warrants to collect evidence from both the tractor-trailer and the bus.

Texas truck accident attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers are aggressive trial lawyers, dedicated to helping injury victims and their families. If you were injured or a loved one killed in an 18 wheeler crash, contact us today to learn your rights.