clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Bus carrying Virginia baseball team crashes after driver loses consciousness

According to reports, the team sustained no injuries, but the bus driver was taken to the hospital.

By Brian J. Leung
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The driver of the bus carrying the Virginia baseball team lost consciousness and crashed on Thursday evening in Miami with the team on board. According to the reports, a metal pole went through the window. Though the driver was taken to the hospital, Virginia has confirmed that the team is okay.

Virginia is in Miami for a three-game series against the No. 1 team in the country beginning tomorrow night.

We'll continue to provide additional information as we are able to ascertain. Expect a statement from the University shortly.

Update 8:50 p.m.

Virginia Media Relations provided the following statement:

The Virginia baseball team was en route from the Miami airport to its hotel late this afternoon when the driver of its bus suffered a medical emergency, leading to a subsequent accident. There were no injuries to members of the team and staff traveling on the bus. The team was moved to another bus and reached its hotel early this evening. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bus driver and his family.

Update 8:59 p.m.

According to NBC29 (WVIR), the coaching staff tried to regain control of the bus before the vehicle crashed into three parked cars and a motor scooter shortly after 6:00 p.m. The staff provided CPR on the driver until Miami Fire-Rescue crews arrived on scene, after which the driver was transported to Mercy Hospital in serious condition.

NBC29 provided us with the following images from their NBC-TV station in Miami, FL as well:

Update 10:30 p.m.

The Daily Progress reached out to Miami Fire Rescue spokesperson Lt. Iggy Carroll, who told the Progress that, after the driver's medical condition caused him to lose consciousness, the Virginia coaching staff jumped out of their seats to try to regain control of the bus and get the driver out of the seat. The impact from the crash caused a fence post to break the bus's windshield, "right where the coaches were originally sitting, blocking the exit door."

Nearby car wash employees helped remove the post, allowing the door to open. The Daily Progress quoted Carroll, "We talked to the players and the rest of the coaching staff. They were all fine. They weren't injured, just a little shook up, I'm sure, after experiencing that ordeal."

"Them trying to gain control of the bus and bringing it to a stop definitely prevented a lot of other injuries that could have occurred to other people in that area," The Progress quoted Carroll. "So we definitely commend them for their quick action."

More From Streaking The Lawn