The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it joined the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Tennesee Highway Patrol in an investigation into the fatal Tennessee school bus crash resulting in the death of the school bus driver and a student on board.
The Meigs County Schools bus was on its afternoon route with 24 students on board. The school bus driver, Lisa Dillard, 53, along with a 7-year-old female, Addicyn Grace Medley, were killed in the crash. Eight other student passengers were also injured.
According to a Gofundme page set up for the Medley Family, Addicyn’s older brother by 18-months, Kaleb Lee Medley, was also involved in the crash and was among those injured. Kaleb was airlifted to TC Thompsons Children’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery. The web page said he will be discharged from the hospital in a wheelchair and will need months of physical therapy.
According to a preliminary report issued by the Tennessee Highway Patrol last week, a 2018 Freightliner utility truck was traveling north on State Highway 58 in Meigs County the afternoon of Oct. 27, when it ran off the road. Driver Terry Trammell, 56, over-corrected his vehicle to get back onto the roadway but lost control and veered into the other lane. The school bus was traveling south when Trammell’s vehicle made contact with it. Trammell was reportedly injured.
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The next day, the school district posted a statement on its website thanking first responders and emergency personnel for their actions and support related to the school bus crash.
“We sincerely appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and the outpouring of support that has been shown to Meigs County Schools and our community,” Director of Schools Clint Baker and the Meigs County Board of Education, stated on its website. “Meigs County is a tight-knit community and we know the bond will be important as we navigate the days ahead.”
Meigs County Schools reported that several students have since been released from the hospital. At this time, the crash remains an ongoing investigation and no charges have been filed against Trammell.
School Transportation News updated the original article to include new information.
