News Summary
A school bus crash in Minco injured multiple members of the high school softball team as they were returning from a game. The bus, driven by the head coach, rolled over after swerving to avoid a deer, leading to serious injuries for several passengers. Key community support measures are being mobilized for the victims, and a prayer meeting is planned to show solidarity. The severity of the incident underscores the importance of safety measures on school transportation.
Minco, Oklahoma – Bus Crash Injures Multiple Softball Team Members
On Monday night, a school bus transporting members of the Minco High School softball team and coaches was involved in a serious accident along State Highway 152, resulting in several injuries and prompting a community response. As of September 9, 2025, multiple individuals remained hospitalized, with some in critical condition.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred shortly before 8 p.m. east of Cogar when the bus, driven by Minco’s head high school softball coach, Cody Schmidt, swerved left to avoid striking a deer. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the bus initially struck the deer and then rolled over once before coming to a stop on its wheels. The rollover resulted in four of the 18 passengers being ejected from the vehicle.
There were seven individuals injured in total, including the driver and six passengers. Among the injured, one adult male is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. His identity has not been disclosed. Additionally, two juveniles are reported to be in critical condition. The remaining injured include two adults and two students who sustained non-serious injuries.
Injury Details and Seatbelt Use
Only Cody Schmidt, the bus driver, was reported to be wearing a seatbelt during the crash. The bus was noted to have no available seatbelts for the passengers, which likely contributed to the number of injuries sustained during the rollover. Four of the passengers were ejected during the rollover, emphasizing the importance of safety restraints.
Community and School Response
Minco school district superintendent Kevin Sims expressed shock over the incident and thankfulness that no fatalities occurred. In response to the accident, a prayer meeting was scheduled for Tuesday evening on the softball field to offer support and hope to those affected.
The school district announced that classes would resume on Wednesday, though some events have been postponed. The annual homecoming parade has been rescheduled for October 2, with the homecoming football game now planned for October 3. These adjustments aim to allow students and staff to regain normalcy after the traumatic event.
Community Support Initiatives
The community has organized efforts to support the softball team and those injured. Donations can be made through First National Bank and Trust in Minco to assist the team financially. Additionally, a Meal Train has been established to support Jordan Benge, a coach recovering in critical condition and requiring multiple procedures.
Personal Accounts and Ongoing Support
A survivor of the crash, named Presley Bilderback, described the incident as harrowing but expressed relief that everyone survived. Her account highlights the severity of the accident while also emphasizing the community’s resilience and support during this difficult time.
Summary
The accident on Monday evening has profoundly impacted the Minco community. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as hospitals treat those injured, and local organizations mobilize resources for the relief efforts. While the full extent of injuries remains under observation, the community remains united in supporting those affected and ensuring safety measures are reviewed and improved moving forward.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
