BUS CARRYING DOZENS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OVERTURNS IN MISSOURI EN ROUTE TO FFA CONVENTION. (PHOTO).

 Bus carrying dozens of high school students overturns in Missouri en route to FFA convention

LACLEDE COUNTY, MISSOURI - Ten high school students were treated for minor injuries after the bus they were traveling on to the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention overturned in rural Missouri on Wednesday.

The bus, carrying roughly 50 students from Bolivar, Fair Play, and Dadeville schools, was traveling on Highway A near Phillipsburg, about 40 miles from Springfield, when it slid off a curvy road in heavy rain and tipped onto its side, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol. The 10 students transported for medical care were reported to have only minor injuries, while the rest were taken to Conway High School for shelter and reunification with their families.

The students had been en route to Indianapolis for the convention. Conway Schools staff quickly stepped in after learning of the crash around 8 a.m., providing blankets, dry clothes, snacks, and even a therapy dog for the shaken students. Staff drove to the crash site, escorted the students to the school’s shelter, and worked with local authorities to reunite them with their parents.

Bolivar High School staff helped return students and their luggage home, coordinating with the other districts to ensure belongings were returned safely. School officials emphasized that while students were disappointed to miss the convention, safety was the priority.

Districts thanked Conway Schools, first responders, and emergency personnel for their swift and organized response. Bolivar Schools confirmed their students will no longer be traveling to Indianapolis, while Fair Play Schools praised the professionalism of the rescue effort. Dadeville Schools have not yet released a statement.