Scene of Dec. 5 EPCS bus accident

Killed in the accident was Owen Abbott, 13, Winamac.

Additional injuries were reported, but are believed to be non-life-threatening, state police reported.

At approximately 9:06 a.m., Wednesday (Dec. 5), Indiana State Troopers and Marshall County Sheriff Deputies responded to calls of a crash involving a school bus and a truck on northbound U.S. 31, just north of Argos.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper David Caswell indicates a yellow 2016 International bus driven by Cheryl Warner, 54 of Winamac, had just stopped, as required by law, at the railroad crossing just south of Michigan Road. As the bus began to accelerate it was struck from behind in the left rear by a white 2016 Freightliner straight truck. The truck, which was towing a trailer, was driven by Perry Tylor, 26 of Camby, IN.

Abbott, seated in the left rear of the bus, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Marshall County coroner, according to the state police.

Another student, Zane Bell, 14, was airlifted from the scene and taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Bell’s injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. Other students were taken to Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth for complaints of pain, and for reunification with parents.

At the time of the crash, the Eastern Pulaski Community Schools bus was occupied by 38 eighth-grade students and three chaperones who were on their way to see a Christmas musical in Warsaw. A second EPCS bus was also carrying students to Warsaw; it was traveling ahead of the bus involved in the accident.

Toxicology results are pending for both drivers, which is required by law for vehicle operators involved in serious injury or fatal crashes. Weather is not believed to have been a factor at the time of the crash, police reported.

Northbound U.S. 31 remained closed for crash reconstruction and removal of the vehicles at the time of a state police report issued at 5 p.m., Wednesday.

The Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation released a statement on the accident Wednesday evening. (See separate article)

The students were on their way to see "Elf the Musical" at the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts in Warsaw.

"Here in this area we've had just tragic, tragic stories here of late involving school buses and it's heartbreaking. We just need to pay attention, we need to be cautious, and uh, so this doesn't happen," Sergeant Ted Bohner, Indiana State Police, told the Indianapolis TV station WTHR.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Marshall County Coroner’s Office, Med Flight, Argos Police Department, INDOT, Plymouth EMS and the Plymouth Fire Department.

A full obituary for Owen Abbott appears on this website's obituary page.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Nazarene Church to open sanctuary for prayer in response to school bus accident

WINAMAC - In response to the accident this morning and the overwhelming sense of grief and loss that much of our community is sharing today, the Winamac Nazarene Church has decided to forgo its regular Wednesday evening programs and simply open up the church sanctuary as a time of prayer and gathering as a community.

"Sometimes it feels like our only response to certain situations is to be present together and to pray," explained Pastor Tanner.

From 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday - or later if needed - the church will be open for a time of prayer and support.

"We invite anyone and everyone," said Pastor Tanner. "If you are in need of prayer, we will pray for you. If you feel like you want to do something, but don't know what to do, come and pray for those affected by the events of today."

There will be some music and scriptures in the background, but no agenda other than to be a place to gather as a community and lift one another up in prayer, he added.

"And if even if you won't be joining us in person, we ask that you join us in prayer as a community for our families and students," he said, sharing:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18

Church of Heartland to hold youth group prayer
WINAMAC - Church of the Heartland, Winamac, will hold a special youth group prayer at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday at the church. Parents and adults are also welcome to join the prayer service to support those involved in the fatal school bus crash, and the community.

Methodist Church to hold prayer vigil

WINAMAC - The First United Methodist Church. Winamac, is cancelling its Refuel. Classes tonight, as well as the Children’s Christmas Play rehearsal, due to the EPCS bus accident this morning. The meal will still be served at 5:15, followed by a prayer vigil. All are welcome to participate.