Abilene Christian bus crash leaves 4 injured

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Four people were injured late Saturday when the bus carrying members of the Abilene Christian football team crashed following its game with Texas Tech, the university said Sunday.

The bus had just left the Texas Tech campus in Lubbock, Texas, when the accident occurred at 11:33 p.m. local time, according to police.

“Four individuals received minor injuries — one student-athlete, two coaches and the bus driver,” Abilene Christian said in a statement. “We’re grateful to Texas Tech director of athletics Kirby Hocutt, their team physician Dr. Michael Phy and all of the first responders for their assistance and care.”

All four were taken to University Medical Center in Lubbock.

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and KTAB in Lubbock reported that, according to police, a 19-year-old driver crashed into the bus after ignoring instructions given by officers directing traffic. The driver, identified as Parker Young, was arrested on a drunk driving charge.

Young reportedly was still in custody at the Lubbock County jail as of Sunday afternoon.

Lubbock police said the accident happened at the Marsha Sharp Freeway and University Avenue intersection. They said the collision forced the bus into another vehicle.

Abilene Christian, an FCS school, lost 52-51 in overtime to the Red Raiders. The Wildcats outscored Texas Tech 17-6 in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 45. After both teams scored a touchdown in overtime, Abilene Christian’s attempt at a two-point conversion that would have given the Wildcats a victory failed.

Texas Tech released a statement shortly after the incident.

“The thoughts and prayers of Red Raider Nation are with our friends at ACU and those who may have been injured in tonight’s accident. Our administration has been in constant contact with ACU’s staff since their departure and will assist wherever needed.”

–Field Level Media