Bus carrying UW band overturns on I-90 en route to Apple Cup
Nov 22, 2018, 9:44 PM | Updated: Nov 23, 2018, 2:27 pm
(KIRO 7)
(KIRO 7)
A charter bus carrying 56 University of Washington band members overturned Thursday night as the group was en route to Friday’s Apple Cup in Pullman.
The band will not continue on to Pullman to perform at the Apple Cup.
“The Husky Marching Band is like a family, and we do everything together,” said Brad McDavid, director of athletic bands. “With that in mind, the band will not attend the 2018 Apple Cup game in respect and consideration of the recovery our students and staff need following our bus accident last night.”
Update on the Husky Marching Band, which will not continue its trip to the #AppleCup today following last night’s bus accident on the way to Eastern Washington: pic.twitter.com/E4Aj1eGfae
— UW News (@uwnews) November 23, 2018
With the band no longer performing at the Apple Cup, WSU’s own marching band will pay tribute to UW by playing the Huskies’ fight song, “Bow Down to Washington.” Seats for the Huskies’ band will remain empty during the game.
The crash happened shortly before 5:30 p.m. on the eastbound I-90 at Milepost 143, three miles west of George. The incident blocked a frontage road. Band members crawled out of the bus that came to a rest on its side.
A total of six chartered buses were taking the band members to Eastern Washington. The bus that went off the road was number three in that group, according to the Washington State Patrol — 47 people were transported to area hospitals. Two people remain in medical care. There were no other serious injuries reported.
Students that did not go to hospitals were diverted to George Elementary School where they waited to continue their trip. George residents responded by bringing the detoured UW band members Thanksgiving food — even though some locals are Cougs fans.
“That’s just the way this community pitches in and helps everybody,” one George man told KIRO 7. “Doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you’re doing … I’m glad they are OK.”
Jennifer Cohen, director of athletics for UW, said that they are grateful for the elementary school staff and people of Grant County.
“They went far out of their way to take such incredible care of our students and Thanksgiving night,” Cohen said. “Many of the most helpful and supportive community members were Cougars fans, who demonstrated the caring values of WSU which transcend rivalry.”
The cause of the crash is under investigation, but troopers said icy roads could have been a factor. Investigators will also look into other factors such as tread on the tires and the brakes.
The bus was turned upright shortly before midnight. Band equipment and luggage was moved into a truck for transport.
#Final Update for tonight: UW Band Charter Bus has been tipped back up and is getting ready to be towed. All band instruments and luggage removed form storage area. #UWBusCrash pic.twitter.com/tpTEFHhBTz
— Trooper John Bryant (@wspd6pio) November 23, 2018
KIRO 7 contributed to this report
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