On Wednesday, a bus transporting the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team crashed in a rural area, resulting in one fatality and injuries to 32 individuals.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time on a highway near Twin Lakes, located roughly 110 miles northwest of Des Moines, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in this accident.
The names of the victims have not yet been disclosed, and an investigation into the crash’s cause is ongoing.
Iowa Lakes Community College stated, “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our top priority.” They emphasized support for those affected and direct communication with families.
The baseball team’s season had just begun the previous week with a four-game series against Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa.
They were set to compete in another series against the University of North Arkansas on Thursday and Friday.
North Arkansas State University expressed their sorrow, stating, “Our hearts are heavy as we grieve with the Iowa Lakes University community. The loss of life is a tragedy that extends beyond our campus, and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones impacted.”
They continued by stating the higher education community is like a family ready to support Iowa Lakes Community College in any way possible.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds also offered her condolences via social media, expressing heartbreak upon hearing the news.
She shared, “Kevin and I are saddened by the terrible news that an Iowa Lakes Community College bus carrying student-athletes was involved in a fatal crash. We are praying for all those affected by this tragedy and their families.” She urged others to keep Iowa Lakes Community College in their thoughts.
