Seven people, including a child, were killed and dozens were seriously injured during a bus crash on a Mississippi highway over the weekend.

The tragic accident happened on Saturday, Aug. 31, just after 12:30 a.m. on I-20 Westbound near the Bovina exit. The 2018 Volvo commercial bus, carrying 47 passengers, experienced a tire blowout. This caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and roll onto its side.

Six people were pronounced dead at the scene, and one reportedly died after being rushed to Merit Health Emergency Room. Among the dead were an 8-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl.

More than 30 of the passengers were transported to Merit Health Emergency Room.

The Vicksburg Fire Department, in partnership with American Medical Response (AMR) responded to the crash.

In a statement, Vicksburg Fire Department Chief Derrick Stamps confirmed the accident. “I am incredibly proud of the men and women of the Vicksburg Fire Department,” he stated.

“For their unwavering dedication and hard work at the wreck scene this morning. Their commitment to the citizens of Vicksburg and Warren County is deeply appreciated.”

He then thanked the Merit Health Administration for bringing in extra staff to retrieve the bus passengers from the Mississippi interstate crash scene. “The unprecedented level of teamwork and commitment from this community is truly inspiring.”