A tragic accident has struck the Las Vegas community after a devastating bus crash claimed the lives of 14 players from a local football team on Saturday afternoon. The team was en route to an out-of-state playoff game when their bus veered off the highway and overturned near Kingman, Arizona.
According to early reports from state authorities, the charter bus was carrying 29 people, including players, coaches, and staff, when it lost control on a stretch of Highway 93. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but officials suspect a combination of mechanical failure and weather-related road conditions may have played a role.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes, with helicopters and ambulances transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Fifteen people were hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries, while the remaining 14 were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Las Vegas High School Athletic Association confirmed the team involved was from the Las Vegas Ridgeview Lions, a rising powerhouse in the regional high school football league. Most of the players lost in the crash were juniors and seniors, many of whom were being scouted by college programs.
“This is the darkest day in our school’s history,” said Ridgeview Principal Dana Morell at an emotional press conference. “We have lost not just athletes, but leaders, role models, and friends. Our hearts are broken.”
Counseling services have been made available for students, staff, and families. A candlelight vigil is scheduled to be held Sunday evening at Ridgeview High School’s football field, where community members are expected to gather in solidarity and remembrance.
Governor Marcus Ellison has declared Monday a state day of mourning, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff and offering state support for the families affected. “This is an unspeakable tragedy,” Ellison said. “We stand with the people of Las Vegas and everyone touched by this heartbreaking loss.”
As investigations continue and the community begins to grieve, tributes have begun pouring in from across the country, including from NFL players, coaches, and teams who have shared condolences on social media.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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