A bus carrying the Aliquippa Junior High football team was involved in a crash on Saturday morning in Beaver County, resulting in 21 people being transported to local hospitals for treatment. The incident unfolded shortly before 10:00 a.m. as the team was en route to a scheduled game against a team from the Pine-Richland School District, set to begin at 11:00 a.m.
The crash occurred on Shaffer Road in Economy, approximately 32 kilometers north of Pittsburgh. Emergency responders from various communities in Beaver County, as well as from Bell Acres in Allegheny County, were dispatched to the scene following reports of the accident.
According to a Facebook post from the football team, all members, including players and accompanying adults, had evacuated the bus by 11:00 a.m. Economy Borough Police Chief Michael O’Brien confirmed that the bus driver also sustained injuries during the incident. Most of the injured were taken to either UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh or Allegheny General Hospital, both located in Pittsburgh.
Investigation Underway
Chief O’Brien indicated that the bus had turned on its side during the crash but managed to return to an upright position as students evacuated. He noted that the location of the crash is particularly challenging, describing it as occurring on “a bad bend.” The investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the event.
In response to the incident, the football team made a heartfelt appeal on social media, requesting “a thought or prayer for each player or coach that was traveling this morning.”
Governor Josh Shapiro also expressed his concern through a statement on X, revealing that he had contacted local officials and offered his administration’s full support in the aftermath of the crash. “Football brings the Aliquippa community together — and I know those who prepared to cheer on their team today are already stepping in to care for their neighbors and check in on the families affected,” he stated.
Shapiro emphasized the community’s solidarity, saying, “The entire community is in our thoughts today. Please join Lori and me in praying for the team, their parents, their coaches, and everyone rallying behind them.”
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue their investigation, and the community rallies to support those affected by this unfortunate incident.
