Spring Break
Music education major dies in collision
Bus carrying Chippewa Falls High School faculty,students crashes when returning from state band competition
Nathaniel Shuda
Issue date: 10/17/05 Section: Campus News
Officials wouldn't confirm the number of people onboard the bus, but estimate it was 53 or less based on configuration of coach, Notbohm said at a press conference Sunday afternoon.
"We are trying to determine who was on the buses - not who was supposed to be there - but who was actually there," he said.
There are no indications that drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash, and weather conditions are not believed to be a factor, he said. The driver of the truck was not taken into custody, but authorities remain in contact with him.
Notbohm would not speculate as to any underlying causes of the crash.
"We haven't ruled out anything," he said. "We are in gathering mode right now. Everything's being looked at. Nothing's being assumed."
Injured passengers were taken to various hospitals in western Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as to St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, Notbohm said.
UW-Eau Claire junior Andrew Sazama, senior Amy Bowen and senior Ryan M. Wilson, all music majors from Chippewa Falls were injured while riding the bus. In addition, sophomore Ruth Weiland, a biology major from Chippewa Falls was also sustained injuries from the crash.
Three of the state's top motor carrier crash experts, as well as experts from the Minnesota State Patrol, have reviewed log in sheets, driver duty statuses and equipment issues for both vehicles and conducted aerial surveys with crash reconstructionists, Notbohm said.
Members of the National Transportation Safety Board will meet with officials Monday to review the state patrol's investigation, he said.
In a statement to a state trooper who arrived on the scene, the driver indicated that he did not fall asleep, Notbohm said.
Whole Food Products of Munster, Ind., owned the semi, which was hauling cargo from Indiana to Minneapolis, Notbohm said. The driver of the truck is an Indiana resident.
Chippewa Falls High School resumed classes today, according to school officials. Trained counselors and clergy are available for students and faculty members.
Information has not yet been released about funeral and memorial services for those killled.
"We are trying to determine who was on the buses - not who was supposed to be there - but who was actually there," he said.
There are no indications that drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash, and weather conditions are not believed to be a factor, he said. The driver of the truck was not taken into custody, but authorities remain in contact with him.
Notbohm would not speculate as to any underlying causes of the crash.
"We haven't ruled out anything," he said. "We are in gathering mode right now. Everything's being looked at. Nothing's being assumed."
Injured passengers were taken to various hospitals in western Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as to St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, Notbohm said.
UW-Eau Claire junior Andrew Sazama, senior Amy Bowen and senior Ryan M. Wilson, all music majors from Chippewa Falls were injured while riding the bus. In addition, sophomore Ruth Weiland, a biology major from Chippewa Falls was also sustained injuries from the crash.
Three of the state's top motor carrier crash experts, as well as experts from the Minnesota State Patrol, have reviewed log in sheets, driver duty statuses and equipment issues for both vehicles and conducted aerial surveys with crash reconstructionists, Notbohm said.
Members of the National Transportation Safety Board will meet with officials Monday to review the state patrol's investigation, he said.
In a statement to a state trooper who arrived on the scene, the driver indicated that he did not fall asleep, Notbohm said.
Whole Food Products of Munster, Ind., owned the semi, which was hauling cargo from Indiana to Minneapolis, Notbohm said. The driver of the truck is an Indiana resident.
Chippewa Falls High School resumed classes today, according to school officials. Trained counselors and clergy are available for students and faculty members.
Information has not yet been released about funeral and memorial services for those killled.