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A massive accident took place on interstate 65 in Butler County leaving 10 people dead, the majority being children under the age of 9, accoridng to AL.
A total of 17 vehicles were involved in the car accident including two commercial vehicles.
“Investigating fatal crashes is one of the most difficult responsibilities of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency,” ALEA’s Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor stated.
“Yesterday, was an extremely heartbreaking day for the state of Alabama as 10 lives were tragically lost in one horrific event.”
“I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the friends and families of loved ones lost in Saturday’s terrible crash, as well as my gratitude to all of the first responders and volunteers who quickly and valiantly responded to the scene.”
“It was a difficult and unimaginable scene for many, and our thoughts and prayers are with all involved as we continue to investigate and provide closure for those affected.”
“Cody was an integral part of the EMA staff in Marion County, always ready, always willing to serve.”
Cody Fox was pronounced dead on the scene.
“His upbeat attitude, his willingness to learn, and without a doubt the politest young man I have ever known, will be greatly missed.”
“I offer my deepest prayers for his parents and family. He was a dedicated responder, a good son, a good brother, a good father and a good friend. I will miss him.”
An SUV with girls from the Girls Ranch is said to have hyroplaned. the driver fo the Girls Ranch vehicle was pulled out by a bystander but was not able to go back to retrieve the kids.
“It was too late to get back to them because the bus was engulfed in fire,” Garlock stated.
“All of the families have been notified. We’re certainly in a grieving process.”
“All of our kids have been through a lot of trauma and they just need help and need love and we love these girls like they are our own children.”
“I know that God won’t put anything on us that we can’t handle. But I will tell you I’ve had a lot of questions in the past 24 hours. But praying is healing.”
“This was probably the most horrific accident in Butler County history,” Bond stated.
From AL:
The driver of the Girls Ranch bus was pulled from the vehicle by a bystander. The bystander tried to go back for the children, but could not, Garlock said.
“It was too late to get back to them because the bus was engulfed in fire,” Garlock said.
The young people killed ranged in age from 3-17, Garlock said, and many hailed from Reeltown in Tallapoosa County. Garlock would not release their names because many were in the care of the state.
The driver who was pulled to safety was identified as Candice Gully, director of the Tallapoosa County facility, according to Michael Smith, CEO of the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches. Candice Gully’s son and
