Identified Individuals in Multi-Casualty Crash Involving High School Students on I-96 in Portland Township: Tragic Incident Results in Serious Injuries and an Ongoing Investigation PORTLAND, MI (IONIA COUNTY) – In a devastating incident early Thursday morning, a small bus carrying high school students en route to a college visit in Ohio crashed on eastbound I-96 near Kent Street. This tragic event resulted in a significant number of injuries, and authorities swiftly declared a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)
Identified Individuals in Multi-Casualty Crash Involving High School Students on I-96 in Portland Township: Tragic Incident Results in Serious Injuries and an Ongoing Investigation
PORTLAND, MI (IONIA COUNTY) – In a devastating incident early Thursday morning, a small bus carrying high school students en route to a college visit in Ohio crashed on eastbound I-96 near Kent Street. This tragic event resulted in a significant number of injuries, and authorities swiftly declared a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI). The crash, which occurred just before 7:00 a.m., has left the community shaken and prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Individuals
16 individuals involved in this tragic accident have been identified
The Incident
On the morning of March 27, 2025, Michigan State Police (MSP) received reports of a bus crash on the eastbound lanes of I-96 in Portland Township. Authorities quickly responded, and upon arrival, they discovered the bus had veered off the road and collided with a guardrail. This collision resulted in significant damage to the bus, and, tragically, one student was pinned under the guardrail inside the vehicle. The bus was carrying a total of 16 passengers, consisting of 11 high school students, four adult chaperones, and the bus driver. The students, who were members of a high school group from Portland, Michigan, were on their way to a college visit in Ohio. The crash occurred in the early morning hours, as the group was traveling eastbound on I-96 when they lost control of the bus.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Emergency response teams were quick to arrive at the scene of the crash. Rescue crews and emergency medical personnel worked diligently to treat the injured individuals. Six of the passengers were treated on the scene, with four students being transported to local hospitals for further evaluation. The injuries sustained by the passengers varied in severity. According to the authorities, three students were treated for minor injuries, while one student was reported to have suffered more serious injuries. The student with serious injuries was immediately rushed to the hospital, where they continue to receive treatment. The rescue efforts were particularly challenging due to one student being pinned under the guardrail, requiring specialized extrication procedures.
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) and Response
Due to the number of injuries and the complexity of the situation, authorities declared a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) following the crash. An MCI is declared when the number of casualties exceeds the immediate response capabilities of emergency medical personnel at the scene. This designation helps coordinate additional resources and ensure that the victims receive prompt care. Multiple emergency units were dispatched to the scene, including paramedics, fire crews, and law enforcement officers. The emergency medical teams worked tirelessly to stabilize the injured and ensure that the passengers who were not severely hurt were properly cared for. The swift response and efficient teamwork were crucial in mitigating the extent of the disaster. The extrication of the pinned student was a priority for rescue crews, who utilized specialized equipment to free the trapped individual. Thankfully, the student was safely removed from the wreckage and transferred to a medical facility for treatment.
Investigation Underway
Michigan State Police and local authorities are actively investigating the crash, seeking to understand the exact cause of the incident. At this stage, authorities are considering several potential factors that could have contributed to the crash, including road conditions and possible driver impairment. While the investigation is still in its early stages, MSP has confirmed that they are working to determine whether any mechanical failures or external factors played a role in the crash. Additionally, authorities will examine whether the driver followed all proper safety protocols and regulations while operating the bus. The condition of the road was also a point of concern, as some witnesses reported that the highway had been damp and slick, possibly due to earlier rainfall. Investigators will likely explore whether weather conditions played a role in the accident. However, the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Temporary Traffic Disruptions
In the aftermath of the crash, traffic on eastbound I-96 was temporarily impacted as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene. Delays and detours were implemented, and authorities advised drivers to avoid the area if possible. The road was eventually cleared, and normal traffic patterns resumed once the wreckage was removed and the scene was secured.
Community Response and Support
The Portland community has been deeply affected by the crash, with local residents and officials expressing their sympathy and support for the individuals and their families. The high school community, in particular, has rallied together to offer assistance to the families of those involved in the incident. The school district has issued a statement offering condolences to the families of those affected and pledging to support the students, parents, and faculty members impacted by the tragedy. Grief counselors have been made available to students and staff who may need assistance coping with the emotional aftermath of the incident. In the wake of the crash, local churches, civic organizations, and the wider Portland community have also extended their support, offering aid to those affected. Many people have reached out to help the families of the students, and a fundraising effort has been launched to cover medical expenses for those injured in the crash.
Looking Ahead: Investigation and Prevention
As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities have pledged to thoroughly review the details of the incident in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future. While the cause of the crash remains uncertain, authorities are expected to release further updates as more information becomes available. In the coming weeks, the school district and local officials are likely to assess the safety protocols for school-related trips and make any necessary adjustments to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The community remains hopeful that the investigation will provide clarity and lead to measures that can improve safety for students and travelers on Michigan’s roadways.
Conclusion
The tragic crash on I-96 near Portland Township has left a lasting impact on the families, students, and faculty members involved. With multiple individuals injured, including students and adult chaperones, the community has rallied together in support of those affected. As the investigation unfolds, there is hope that the cause of the crash will be identified, and steps will be taken to prevent future accidents. Our thoughts remain with those involved in this devastating incident as they continue to recover from their injuries. As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided to the public, and the community will remain focused on supporting those impacted by this tragedy.
