NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio – Three people were tragically killed and 15 others were injured in a devastating crash on an Ohio interstate involving a semitrailer and a bus carrying students and chaperones from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District.

The incident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. when the semitrailer rear-ended the charter bus as it was en route to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus. The district’s superintendent, Dr. Derek Varansky, expressed deep concern for those involved and urged the community to come together in support.

The bus, carrying 57 people, was traveling on Interstate 70 West in Licking County when the collision took place. Licking County Emergency Management Agency Director Sean Grady confirmed the number of fatalities and injuries, stating that the injured individuals were transported to area hospitals.

At present, details about the cause of the crash and the conditions of the injured remain unclear. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information emerges about the tragic crash that claimed the lives of three individuals and left several others injured.