News Summary
A school bus carrying the Minco High School softball team was involved in a serious rollover accident that left several individuals hospitalized, including critical injuries among players and the coach. The incident raised concerns about bus safety and the absence of seatbelts for passengers. Community support is rallying for the affected individuals, while investigations into the crash continue. A prayer meeting is scheduled to unite the community in support of those impacted by the tragedy.
Minco, Oklahoma – A school bus carrying the Minco High School softball team and coaches was involved in a serious accident on Monday night, leaving several individuals hospitalized. As of September 9, 2025, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that one adult male is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, and two juvenile players are also in critical condition. The identities of the injured have not been disclosed.
The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on State Highway 152, just east of Cogar. The bus, driven by Minco’s head high school softball coach, Cody Schmidt, swerved left in an attempt to avoid colliding with a deer. Despite this maneuver, the bus struck the deer and subsequently rolled over once before coming to rest on its wheels.
Of the 18 individuals aboard the bus, seven sustained injuries, including one driver and six passengers. Tragically, four of the passengers were ejected during the rollover. Notably, only the driver, Cody Schmidt, was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Reports indicate that the bus did not have seatbelts available for the students and other passengers.
In addition to the critical injuries, authorities confirmed that two adults and two students suffered non-serious injuries. Community reaction has been one of shock mixed with relief, as Minco school district superintendent Kevin Sims expressed gratitude that there were no fatalities in the incident.
In light of the accident, a prayer meeting has been organized for Tuesday evening on the softball field as a means for the community to come together. Classes at Minco High School are scheduled to resume on Wednesday; however, homecoming events have been postponed as a precautionary measure. The homecoming parade has been rescheduled for October 2, 2025, with the homecoming game slated for October 3, 2025.
The community has been urged to support the softball team through donations to the First National Bank and Trust in Minco. Additionally, a Meal Train page has been created to aid coach Jordan Benge, who is recovering from critical injuries and will require multiple medical procedures.
Survivor and player Presley Bilderback recounted the harrowing experience, expressing relief that all involved survived the crash. She highlighted the emotional impact the incident has had on the softball team and the broader school community.
This accident has raised concerns regarding school bus safety, particularly regarding the absence of seatbelts for passengers. As investigations continue, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol is expected to provide further information on the causes and circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Minco community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event while coming together to support those affected and ensure the safety of its students.
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Additional Resources
- KOCO News
- Wikipedia: School Bus Accident
- KFOR News
- Google Search: Minco school bus crash
- The Oklahoman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus Safety
- Hindustan Times
- Google News: Minco Bus Crash
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