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Multiple fatalities after elementary school bus crashes in Tennessee

Posted at 6:17 PM, Nov 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-21 19:43:44-05

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.  – Multiple fatalities have been reported and many students are hurt after an elementary school bus packed with children crashed and wrapped around a tree in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Hamilton County District Attorney Neal Pinkston said during a press conference that six people have died – five at the scene and one at the hospital. The number of deaths could still rise and the extent of other injuries is not clear.

There were 35 students on the bus at the time of the crash, WDEF reported.

Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher had said 23 of them have been taken to the hospital, but there may be more kids hurt, as crews were still working on rescuing people who were trapped.

Everyone has since been freed from the bus, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department.

It is unclear at this time what led to the crash, but police said the bus driver is cooperating with them.

The school district said it is bringing in extra counselors to offer support.