2 students killed in school bus crash off Alabama interstate; at least 23 injured

Monday, November 20th 2006, 12:59 pm

By: News On 6

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) _ A school bus carrying more than 30 high school students plunged 30 feet off an interstate Monday and overturned, killing two and injuring at least 23, seven of them critically, authorities said.

The bus ended up below the I-565 overpass.

``It looks like the bus plunged head first,'' police spokesman Wendell Johnson said.

The bus was carrying 34 students, 23 of whom were taken to hospitals, he said.

Seven suffered critical injuries, according to state Department of Education spokeswoman Brooke Thorington. There were conflicting reports on the extent of injuries to the driver.

The bus had left the Huntsville Center for Technology, city schools spokesman Keith Ward said. He said at least two students were killed.

Huntsville Times photographer Eric Schultz said sheets had been spread near the wrecked bus.

``Huntsville has never seen an accident like this,'' Johnson said.

``Right now, we're just trying to stabilize injuries, save lives and we'll get more information as it's available.''