Bus driver, 24, arrested after six primary school kids are killed and 23 hurt in horror smash that saw vehicle leave road and wrapped around tree
Johnthony Walker has been charged with a string of driving offences
A SCHOOL bus driver has been arrested after at least six children were killed in a horrific crash that ended with the vehicle being folded around a tree.
Johnthony Walker, 24, has been charged with multiple counts of vehicular homicide, reckless endangerment and reckless driving, Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher told CNN.
Firemen spent hours working to removed the rest of the children from the wreckage.
Congressman Chuck Fleischmanntook to Facebook and posted his condolences to the families of those who had lost children in the crash.
"We're going to do everything we can to assist in any way. It's a sad situation anytime there's a school bus with children involved, which there is in this case.
"We will do everything we can to assist in what I think is going to be a very sad situation."
The bus was carrying students from Woodmore Elementary when the crash happened.
They ranged from kindergarten age, children turning five, up to fifth grade, which is 11 years old in the US.
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke tweeted: "Please pray for the families of those affected by this horrible accident."
Parents were told by text message the crash had happened.
Extra counsellors and support staff were drafted in from all over the state to help students deal with the aftermath of the tragedy.