Local News
Arianna Pearson Identified as One of Two Students Killed in Crash Involving Kenwood Middle School bus
CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. — Authorities have identified Arianna Pearson as one of two students killed in a devastating school bus crash during a middle school field trip, an incident that has left a community in mourning and prompted renewed safety concerns.
The collision occurred around noon on March 27 along Highway 70 in Carroll County, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Officials said the crash involved a school bus transporting students from Kenwood Middle School, a dump truck operated by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and a separate passenger vehicle.
The bus was carrying students and staff from the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System en route to a GreenpowerUSA event in Jackson when the crash occurred.
Authorities confirmed that two students on board were killed, including Arianna Pearson, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity.
Emergency response efforts were extensive, with multiple agencies—including the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office—responding to the scene.
Due to the number and severity of injuries, nine medical helicopters were deployed to transport victims to regional trauma centers in Nashville and Memphis.
In total, five adults and more than 20 students were on the bus at the time of the crash.
Two adults were traveling in the TDOT truck, and one individual was in the passenger vehicle.
According to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County, 19 individuals were evaluated at the facility and later released, though the extent of their injuries has not been fully detailed.
Four pediatric patients were transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where officials reported they are in stable condition.
The cause of the crash remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
In a statement, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System expressed profound grief over the tragedy, describing the loss as heartbreaking and extending support to the victims’ families and those injured.
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden also issued a statement, calling the incident an “unimaginable loss” that has deeply impacted the community.
The tragedy has also reignited discussions surrounding school bus safety, including calls for the broader implementation of seatbelts to better protect students during transport.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.