Chattanooga school bus crash: 3 still in critical condition

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Three children remained in critical condition at a Chattanooga hospital Sunday, six days after a school bus crash killed six classmates.

Two more Woodmore Elementary School students were in fair condition at Children's Hospital at Erlanger, the hospital said late Saturday. The second funeral for the six victims was held Sunday afternoon, and plans were being finalized for additional services.

Thirty-seven students boarded bus No. 366 after school Monday afternoon. But minutes later, the bus crashed on a narrow, residential street, killing five students and injuring others, according to police. A sixth child died of his injuries Wednesday.

The bus driver, Johnthony Walker, was speeding when he crashed the bus on Talley Road, police said. The 24-year-old was arrested and charged with multiple counts of vehicular homicide.

On Friday, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported Friday that Walker had been the subject of complaints from parents and school administrators about speeding, recklessness and disregard for the children he was transporting. Five days before the wreck, the principal sent another complaint to the school district’s transportation director, the newspaper reported.

On Saturday, the funeral was held for Cor’Dayja Shanyeal Jones, 9, at Redemption Point Church, where she sang in the children’s choir. Sunday afternoon, the funeral for Zyanna Janal Harris, 10, was being held at Mount Canaan Baptist Church. Zyanna loved to dance and played basketball and softball, according to her online obituary.

A Thursday funeral is planned for 9-year-old Zoie Nash, the Woodmore Elementary principal posted on the school’s website. Funeral plans had not yet been announced Sunday for D’Myunn Brown, 6, Zyaira Mateen, 6, and Keonte Wilson, 8.

"We grieve with our families who are in the midst of laying their children to rest," Principal Brenda Cothran posted on the school's website. "Our staff continues to support and pray for the families who still have children in the hospital."

Classes are expected to resume Monday following the Thanksgiving break.

Cox Media Group