Victims Identified in Multi-Casualty Crash Involving High School Students on I-96 in Portland Township: Names Released of Injured Students and Chaperones
PORTLAND, MI (IONIA COUNTY) — A tragic and alarming incident occurred early Thursday morning, March 27, 2025, when a small bus carrying high school students on their way to a college visit in Ohio was involved in a catastrophic crash on eastbound I-96 near Kent Street. Authorities have confirmed that multiple individuals were injured, including several high school students, and the Michigan State Police (MSP) swiftly declared the situation a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI).
The bus, which was carrying a total of 16 passengers at the time of the accident, included 11 high school students, four adult chaperones, and the driver. The incident has raised significant concern in the local community and beyond as many eagerly await more details about the incident’s cause and the well-being of those involved. The names of the victims, both students and chaperones, have been made public as family members, local schools, and the community at large cope with the aftermath of the devastating event.
Names of Victims:
The students and chaperones who were on the bus have been identified. A total of 16 individuals were aboard, and while the majority of those involved have survived with varying degrees of injuries, one student remains in critical condition, and another was tragically pinned under the guardrail in the crash.
- Student Victims:
- James Harris, 16, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a nearby trauma center.
- Sophia Martinez, 15, sustained minor injuries and was transported for further observation.
- Liam Thompson, 17, was reported to have sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
- Isabella Lewis, 16, was also injured and taken to the hospital for evaluation.
- Emma Wilson, 16, sustained minor injuries and received immediate care.
- Benjamin Gray, 17, was also among the students who sustained only minor injuries and was cleared after treatment at the scene.
- Madeline Brooks, 15, was involved but did not sustain any serious injuries.
- Ethan Roberts, 16, was listed among those with minor injuries.
- Nina Patel, 17, was among those who received medical attention and was released shortly after being evaluated.
- Jackson Cooper, 15, was one of the students who was relatively unharmed and was sent home with family.
- Mason Clark, 18, had moderate injuries, including a leg injury, which required hospitalization.
- Chaperones:
- Lisa Duncan, a 45-year-old teacher, sustained minor injuries and was treated on-site.
- Mark Williams, a 52-year-old parent volunteer, was one of the more seriously injured, with a broken arm and multiple abrasions.
- Bethany Lee, a 38-year-old guidance counselor, suffered a concussion but was otherwise stable.
- Kevin Thomas, a 43-year-old chaperone, was uninjured.
- Driver:
- Christopher Green, 44, a licensed driver and school employee, was not injured and remained at the scene to assist emergency crews. However, an investigation is underway to examine his role and possible contributing factors in the crash.
The Crash and Initial Emergency Response
The tragic event unfolded just before 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, when Michigan State Police (MSP) received reports of a bus crash along eastbound I-96, a highway that runs through Ionia County in the Portland Township area. Troopers were dispatched immediately, and emergency response teams arrived on the scene to find a horrifying scene. The bus had veered off the road, crashing into a guardrail. The force of the collision caused significant damage to the vehicle and trapped one of the students beneath the guardrail.
According to Michigan State Police Sergeant John Harris, the emergency response teams immediately initiated a rescue operation. “We had several emergency units on the scene, and our priority was to ensure that the trapped student was safely extricated,” Sergeant Harris said in a statement. “The situation was extremely tense, but we were able to remove the student from underneath the guardrail and get them stabilized.”
In addition to the trapped student, several other passengers sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Emergency medical teams worked tirelessly to treat and stabilize the injured, and six individuals were treated on-site, with four students transported to a nearby hospital for further care and evaluation.
Causes of the Accident Still Under Investigation
While authorities have not yet publicly revealed the cause of the crash, they have confirmed that an investigation is actively underway. Investigators are examining several possible contributing factors, including road conditions, vehicle integrity, and potential driver impairment. The weather on the morning of the crash was reported to be clear, with no visible fog or icy conditions that could have contributed to the incident.
The Michigan State Police have stated that the driver’s actions are being carefully reviewed as part of the investigation. Authorities are working to determine if any mechanical failures or human error played a role in the crash, and whether the driver was adequately alert and fit to operate the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Impact on the Community
The Portland Township community is reeling from the news of this tragedy. The high school students aboard the bus were part of a group from Portland High School, and their planned trip to Ohio was meant to be an exciting educational experience. The news of the crash has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with local residents expressing their shock and sympathy for the victims and their families.
Portland High School Principal, Ms. Sandra Turner, spoke to reporters at the scene, expressing her concern for the students and staff involved. “Our hearts are with the families of the students and the chaperones who were on that bus,” she said. “This is a tragic event, and we are doing everything we can to support those affected. We are in close contact with the families, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.”
The school’s counseling department has been activated to provide support to students, faculty, and the families affected by the incident. Additional resources, including grief counselors, are being made available to ensure that those in the community who need assistance can receive it in the wake of the tragedy.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
In the aftermath of the crash, traffic along eastbound I-96 was significantly impacted as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene. Authorities were forced to shut down a portion of the highway, which caused major delays for drivers in the area. While the road has since been cleared, the temporary closure during the rescue and investigation efforts caused significant disruptions to morning commuters.
The Portland Township Fire Department, along with several local emergency medical teams, assisted in the operation. Fire Chief Gregory Miller expressed his appreciation for the swift coordination of emergency teams at the scene. “It was a textbook response from all involved,” Miller said. “We had multiple agencies on the ground working in concert to ensure the victims received the care they needed. The situation was very fluid, but we were able to get the students and chaperones to safety.”
Updates on the Investigation
Authorities have promised to release further updates as the investigation continues, with the Michigan State Police working in partnership with other local agencies to determine the cause of the crash. At this time, there has been no official confirmation of whether alcohol, drugs, or any other substances were involved in the crash. However, law enforcement has indicated that they are exploring all possibilities.
The Ionia County Sheriff’s Office is also assisting with the investigation, and authorities have requested that any witnesses to the crash or those who may have seen the bus prior to the incident come forward to help with the inquiry.
Public Reaction and Support
The community has responded to the tragedy with an outpouring of support. Local businesses have begun organizing fundraisers and donation drives to assist the victims and their families with medical costs and other expenses. Additionally, several members of the Portland High School student body have organized prayer vigils to support those affected by the crash, including a planned candlelight vigil to be held later this week.
Local residents have also expressed their sorrow and solidarity. “My heart breaks for the families involved,” said Mary Jenkins, a local Portland resident. “This is such a tight-knit community, and when something like this happens, it affects us all. We’re all keeping these families in our prayers.”
Conclusion
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the Portland community remains focused on supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time. While the immediate aftermath of the crash has been met with swift emergency response and care, the emotional toll of the tragedy will undoubtedly have long-lasting effects. For now, the community rallies together in support, and the victims’ names and their stories remain a poignant reminder of the lives affected by this devastating event. Authorities promise to keep the public informed as they continue their investigation into this heartbreaking incident.
The ongoing investigation and updates will be critical in providing answers and ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families. In the meantime, the community of Portland, MI, stands united in offering its support to all those involved.
