LICKING COUNTY, Ohio — You could see smoke from the crash and fire for miles after a semi-truck rear-ended a charter bus carrying students from Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools on Nov. 14, 2023.
Its impact is still being felt a year later.
The bus crash in Licking County killed three students, a high school teacher and two parent chaperones.
“As a father of three, it definitely made my heart sink,” said West Licking Fire Department Chief Jack Treinish.
The charter bus, carrying 54 Tusky Valley band members, was headed to an Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus.
Through its investigation, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Jacob McDonald was driving a semi behind the bus and was seen driving closely in traffic and failing to slow down, hitting another vehicle before hitting the charter bus that caught fire after the collision.
The victims were identified as 18-year-old John Mosley, 18-year-old Jeffrey Worrell, 15-year-old Katelyn Owens, 56-year-old Dave Kennat, 39-year-old Kristy Gaynor and 46-year-old Shannon Wigfield.
Dozens of first responders rushed to the scene to save as many students, parents and staff as possible. The devastation felt by families and loved ones was experienced firsthand by first responders at the scene.
Treinish said his firefighters set their emotions aside that day, but have worked through the tragedy after.
“I thought they were very willing to accept help, whether it be talking about it, seeking help from other firefighters or other areas to make sure they are OK,” Treinish explained.
McDonald is still being held in the Licking County jail. He is facing 26 criminal charges, including six counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, nine counts of vehicular assault and 11 counts of assault.
The National Transportation Safety Board released its initial findings, but its final report isn't expected for up to another year.
Treinsh said while a year has passed, the impact remains.
“It's a huge toll on anyone that was involved,” Treinish said.