In a terrifying incident on Friday afternoon, a school bus carrying YMCA campers crashed and overturned in Idaho, leaving seven children critically injured. The incident occurred on State Highway 55 near the town of Banks, north of Boise. The bus, which was packed with 30 campers from the Treasure Valley YMCA, ranging in age from 13 to 18 years old, was on its way back from a fun-filled day at Horsethief Reservoir when the accident took place.

According to the Idaho State Police, a total of 11 children were hurt in the crash. The cause of the crash is still unknown and is currently under investigation. First responders arrived quickly at the scene and were met with a devastating sight. Seven children were found to have critical injuries, while four had non-critical injuries. The severity of the situation prompted the decision to transport all the children on the bus to local hospitals by air or ground ambulance, out of an abundance of caution.

Fortunately, as of the evening, there were no reports of fatalities. The Treasure Valley YMCA is working diligently to reunite all the children with their parents and ensure they receive the necessary support and care. The summer camp, a popular program that caters to children in second through eleventh grades, runs multiple sessions throughout the summer and often transports several buses full of children to and from each session.

The camp, located at Horsethief Reservoir, offers a variety of outdoor activities such as canoeing, archery, and zip-lining. It is a place where children come to create memories and have fun. However, the tragic incident has left the local community in shock, as witnessing such an event is something nobody ever wants to experience.

Idaho Governor Brad Little expressed his concern for the victims and gratitude towards the first responders and medical personnel who swiftly stepped in to assist in the tragedy. The governor's words reflect the sentiment of the entire community, which is rallying together to support the injured children and their families during this difficult time.

The crash has had a significant impact on the area, as State Highway 55, one of the state's major north-south routes, remained closed due to the accident. The Idaho State Police urged drivers to find alternative routes, causing some disruption for travelers heading to vacation destinations and campsites in the area. The closure serves as a reminder of the importance of transportation safety and the need for vigilance on the road.

In the aftermath of the crash, the Treasure Valley YMCA, Caldwell Transportation, and local authorities are collaborating to determine the cause of the accident and ensure the safety of future journeys. The YMCA is also assessing whether to proceed with the next scheduled session of the summer camp, set to begin on Sunday.

As the investigation continues, the community is keeping the injured children in their thoughts and prayers. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing transportation safety. The hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will help prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring the well-being of all those who participate in the YMCA summer camp and other transportation-dependent activities.