MORTON, IL – The Columbus Cottonmouths’ charter bus has been involved in a rollover crash about 5 miles outside of Peoria, where the Cottonmouths were headed for a weekend series against the Rivermen.
“Two of the passengers had to be extracted from the bus by emergency crews by cutting a hole in the top of the bus,” said Morton Fire Chief Joe Kelly. (Courtesy of the Peoria Journal-Star) “Along with a third member, they were transported immediately to St. Francis Hospital in Peoria. The remaining 21 passengers had crawled out of the bus and was standing outside when we arrived. They were taken by another bus to the same hospital, but appear to have only minor injuries.”
No fatalities have been reported. As of 3:00 PM Central time, the driver and one player are reported in serious condition. The accident occurred as the bus was exiting Interstate I-55 onto I-74 when it slid off the access ramp. A member of the Rivermen Booster Club told Pro Hockey News that there was no snow or ice, but it was raining at the time of the accident. We are continuing to reach out to sources close to the team and will update with comments as they become available. An ongoing update from Peoria is also available at www.pjstar.com.
Photo courtesy of WSFA 12 Montgomery, AL
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