8 students, school bus driver injured in Washington County crash

MT. PLEASANT TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) -- Eight students and a school bus driver were injured after a crash in Washington County on Thursday. 

Dispatchers said the bus crashed on Westland Road near Third Street around 2:30 p.m.  

Two students were flown to hospitals in Pittsburgh and are in serious condition, officials said. Everyone else's injuries were described as moderate. 

The Fort Cherry School District's superintendent said eight students who attend the Western Area Career and Technology Center were on the bus when it crashed. School leaders are keeping a close eye on all of their conditions. 

In a statement, the superintendent called the safety of students a top priority and thanked first responders for their actions at the scene. 

"We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders who arrived quickly at the scene and provided immediate care and assistance. Their professionalism and dedication are truly appreciated by our entire school community."

No other vehicles were involved. 

Donald Morris, who lives nearby, said he heard a loud sound then watched the bus come through a field before coming to a stop. 

"My neighbor ran out, I ran up. She called 911. I jumped up on the bus to make sure the kids were OK. Everyone said they were okay. The bus driver had come down off the bus and she said she blacked out," Morris said. 

The crash in Mt. Pleasant Township comes just one day after a motorcyclist was killed after crashing into a bus carrying Knoch School District elementary students in Butler County. 

Stay with KDKA-TV and KDKA.com for updates to this developing story as they become available.