One dead, several injured in Abilene Christian University bus crash

Members of the ACU community participated in a candlelight prayer service in the Beauchamp Amphitheater (Photo by Garrett Hoskins)

One person has died and several more were injured when an Abilene Christian University bus overturned near Paint Rock, Texas, on Nov. 4.
Twelve students, three faculty members and the spouse of one faculty member were passengers, representing the university’s department of agricultural and environmental sciences. The group was en route to an annual service project for the Medina Children’s Home in Medina, Texas.
ACU posted the following news release from senior trooper Sparky Dean of the Texas Department of Public Safety:

One person has died in a single-vehicle bus crash. This crash occurred about 3:20 p.m. on U.S. Highway 83 at the intersection of County Road 234 in Runnels County.
The bus had been traveling south on U.S. 83 and left the roadway at County Road 234. As the driver was approaching a slight curve in the roadway, he lost control and the bus struck a concrete culvert and overturned one time. Several of the occupants were ejected from the bus.
The vehicle involved registered to Abilene Christian University. It is a 2009 Ford E450 SuperDuty Aerotech Bus equipped for 24 passengers and a driver.
Sixteen occupants were on the bus which was en route to Medina Children’s Home in Medina, Texas, for the weekend for mission work. A complete list of the 16 occupants will be released shortly.

See the ACU Emergency Updates website for more information.

• Feedback
  Will be praying for everyone in Jesus name

  Samantha

  November, 4 2011

  My thoughts and prayers go out to those grieving their loss and those headed into the night to be with their injured loved ones in hospitals throughout the area (including some from my present congregation that I love).
  A note of correction. This was a people mover, designed and best utilized in airports to shuttle people to parking lots and rental car offices. For 25 years I fought to keep our Congregation out of one of these and in a real Motor Coach bus designed to carry people safely and protect them in unfortunate events such as these.
  Immediately upon moving away, they sold the bus and got one of these things. I lament that fact for people I left behind that I love.
  If your Congregation operates one of these People Movers for anything other than airport shuttle service, I strongly recommend that you find videos of the scene (available at http://bigcountryhomepage.com/ ) and reconsider putting your people on the road in a vehicle unsuitable for the service.
  Meanwhile please join me in prayer for those affected.

  Mike Watkins

  November, 4 2011

  my prayers to them all .

  eris Asante Obeng

  November, 5 2011

  The students at Harding Univ. in Greece (HUG) are praying for comfort and recovery for our ACU brothers and sisters.

  Mike James

  November, 5 2011

  So sorry to hear of this accident. Students and faculty at Greater Atlanta Christian School and Atlanta area churches will be lifting you up in prayer. May our gracious Lord be with you all.

  Alan Henderson

  November, 5 2011

  Prayers from the Carbondale Church of Christ in Tulsa, OK will be offered at our worship assembly in the morning for each of the students and faculty affected in this accident, as well as the entire ACU community. Our sympathy goes out to those that have lost a dear and precious family member. May our “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” be your strength in the days ahead.

  Judge Morris

  November, 5 2011

  The church in Seabrook, NH is praying for peace and comfort for the families and victims of the accident

  Bruce Pierce

  November, 5 2011

  I am very sorry for that accident. We are praying for those who are affected and their families . This is the time people need to pray to overcome the enemy, Satan.

  michael owindu

  November, 5 2011

  The brothers and sisters in the Pacific NW are praying for the victims and families of this tragic accident. We pray that God will work everything together for good to come out of such a sad situation.

  Terry Skinner

  November, 5 2011

  Praying for these students, faculty, & their families!

  andee cone

  November, 5 2011

  Just finished praying for everyone involved, and their families that they would be strengthened and comforted by our LORD, and encouraged by the Lord’s church as well.

  Jack Robbins

  November, 5 2011

  It is sad to hear about our brothers and sisters from ACU involved in an accident. I wish them all a speed recovery and will keep them in prayers.

  Lawrence Lamptey

  November, 7 2011

  The prayers of every Christian in Midland, Texas are winging their way heavenward for the family of the person who died in this tragic accident and for those who are still in critical condition. May God’s blessings be on all of the families and their loved ones.

  Dee Carter

  November, 7 2011

  Thank you all for your prayers. My in-laws were on the bus, Emmett Miller, who was released today from Shannon in San Angelo, and my mother-in-law, Pat Miller (former AHS teacher), is still in a coma and will likely be for a couple more weeks.
  Again, your prayers have been a great encouragement, and continue to be.
  James Glasscock, minister
  Troy, NY

  James

  November, 7 2011

  My prayers are with everyone. May the Lord bless, strengthen, and comfort all!
  For the Love of Christ,
  Keya Dacus

  Keya Dacus

  November, 9 2011