FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Six Fort Pierce Central High School students were injured when two school buses were involved in a crash Saturday night in the Bradenton area while returning from a band competition.
Approximately 150 students were traveling on four buses when an SUV rear-ended one of the buses, causing it to collide with another bus.
WATCH BELOW: 6 students injured in Fort Pierce Central bus crash
Six students were taken to local hospitals with minor reported injuries. Five of the six students have since been released, and one remains hospitalized for observation.
WPTV reporter Zitlali Solache spoke with parents over the phone following the crash. Edward Byrnes said his son, Ethan, was asleep when it all happened.
"Ethan called us and said that they had been involved in an accident," said Byrnes. "Ethan refused emergency care on scene last night, probably emotions were running high, but today he has a little stiff area around his neck."
Byrnes added that his son is recovering and resting from the long night.
"Even though it's not threatening to them, there was someone who was seriously injured and we pray for that person who was seriously injured and that baby, 2-year-old, who was life-flighted last night."
Manatee County Schools provided two buses to take the students safely back to Fort Pierce Central. Students were reunited with their parents early this morning.
"Our thoughts are with the students, families and staff members impacted by last night's accident," said Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince.
The school district expressed deep gratitude to its education partners in Manatee County Schools for their swift assistance and support during the incident.
"We are incredibly thankful for the immediate response and support from Manatee County Schools, local first responders and our own team members who worked together to ensure our students' safety and well-being," Prince said.
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