Nine Chalmette High Students Injured as Multiple School Buses Crash En Route to Competition near Lafayette

Several students from Chalmette High School sustained injuries in a collision yesterday that involved five school buses and a truck hauling a band trailer near Lafayette, authorities confirmed. The incident, which happened on westbound Interstate 10 around 12:45 p.m., caused significant disruptions, with the highway being closed until after 2:30 p.m., Fox 8 reports. According to the Lafayette Police Department, the crash originated when one bus struck the rear of the bus traveling in front, instigating a chain-reaction with the following buses.

While initial reports from police indicated six students had suffered minor to moderate injuries, St. Bernard Parish Public Schools later stated that up to nine students received treatment for their injuries before being released from the hospital. In a statement obtained by NOLA.com, the injured, comprising members of the CHS Band and Charmers Dance Team, were reportedly on their way to a state-wide marching band competition.

The competition, being held at McNeese Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, was said to feature 69 bands and approximately 6,500 students as part of the inaugural Louisiana State Marching Band Championship. This information was corroborated by reports in The Charlotte Observer, which detailed that the competition spanned from Nov. 4-6. 

Authorities are investigating the specifics of how the crash occurred.