A bus carrying the Iowa Lakes Community College baseball team crashed in a rural part of the state on Wednesday, killing one and injuring 32 others.
The bus overturned into a ditch on a highway near Twin Lakes, which is roughly 110 miles northwest of Des Moines, at 11 a.m. local time, according to the Iowa State Patrol.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash, according to authorities.
None of the crash victims has been publicly identified, and authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” Iowa Lakes Community College said in a statement, according to KCCI8. “The College is actively supporting those affected and communicating directly with families.”
Iowa Lakes’ season kicked off last week with a four-game series against Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa.
The team was set to play a four-game set against North Arkansas College on Thursday and Friday.
“Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside the Iowa Lakes College community,” North Arkansas told the outlet in a statement. “The loss of a life is a tragedy that reaches far beyond one campus. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who passed away, and we are lifting up in prayer those who were injured and all who are affected.
“During moments like this, we are reminded that the higher education community is a family, and we stand ready to support Iowa Lakes Community College in any way we can.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also shared her condolences to the team, writing in a social media post that she and her husband were “heartbroken” by the news.
“Kevin and I are heartbroken by the horrible news of a deadly crash involving an Iowa Lakes Community College bus transporting student athletes,” she posted to Facebook on Wednesday. “We are praying for all affected by this tragedy and their families.
“Please join us in keeping Iowa Lakes Community College in our hearts.”
