AL HR485

Honors first responders who responded to a bus accident on March 13, 2018, when a Channelview High School bus carrying approximately 45 students ran off Interstate 10 in Baldwin County and plunged 60 feet down a ravine at Cowpen Creek.

More than 60 first responders from law enforcement agencies, fire and rescue agencies, and emergency medical units worked more than three hours starting at approximately 5:30 a.m. to rescue victims, with personnel rappelling down concrete embankment walls to reach the bus.

One person died in the accident (bus driver Harry Caligone of Houston, Texas) and at least six passengers were critically or seriously injured; all students and adult passengers were transported to area hospitals.

Recognizes the dedication, courage, professionalism, and self-sacrifice of firefighters, paramedics, police, sheriff's deputies, helicopter crews, hospital workers, and community members including Coastal Church in Daphne, which opened its facility to reunite accident victims and families.

The Alabama House of Representatives hereby honors and commends all first responders and community members who assisted during this emergency.