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A tour bus sits on a highway after its crash in northern Mississippi, killing at least two people and injuring dozens on Wednesday.
(AP Photo / Adrian Sainz)
Two people were killed and dozens more injured after a tour bus headed to a Mississippi casino, upset Wednesday in icy conditions, authorities said.
The bus, originally from Huntsville, Alabama, reportedly crossed an icy covered walkway on Interstate 269 in Byhalia. The driver then lost control of the vehicle that swung to the side, said Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman Captain Johnny Poulos, according to the Associated Press.
The dead were identified as Betty Russell, 70, and Cynthia Hardin, 61, said DeSoto County coroner Joshua Pounders.
A tour bus is towed on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 after being knocked down on an icy highway north of Mississippi. DeSoto County sheriff's deputy Alex Coker said the bus carrying about 50 people was knocked down shortly after Wednesday noon south of Memphis, Tennessee. The accident occurred while a winter storm swept some parts of the south. County coroner Josh Pounders said two people died in the accident where Interstate 269 and Interstate 22 met. He said the wounded were taken to hospitals in the area, some of them in critical condition.
(AP Photo / Adrian Sainz)
In addition to the people who were killed, 44 people on board the overturned bus were injured and transported to hospitals, authorities said at the Associated Press. At least three people would be in serious condition.
Byhalia is located about 35 km southeast of downtown Memphis, Tennessee.
Poulos said that the speed at which the bus was driven was not immediately obvious before the accident, which occurred around 12:35. Because of the ice on the road, the investigators did not leave tire marks, he said.
"We can not really say what the vehicle did," said Poulos.
Workers clear the wreckage of a bus accident that killed at least two people and injured dozens on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 in Byhalia, Miss.
(AP Photo / Adrian Sainz)
Parts of Mississippi, as well as other neighboring states, have been hit by snow and ice during a storm before the winter on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Teague VIP Express, the company that operated the bus, went on Facebook after the crash to express its condolences.
"Our hearts and prayers go to the victims of this tragedy. Please, involve all people and families in your prayers, "he said.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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