BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A teacher in her 20s is dead and at least five children were injured in a crash at the Excelled Montessori Plus School on the northwest side of Bexar County, according to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar.
The crash happened just after 4:15 p.m. Thursday in the 27500 block of Interstate 10 near Fair Oaks Ranch Parkway.
During a media conference, Salazar said the crash happened while parents were picking up their kids after a holiday performance.
After a parent loaded her kids into a vehicle, she accelerated into another car, ramming both vehicles through a fence.
The teacher and the group of children were in a playground on the other side of the fence, and they were pinned under the car, Salazar said.
Salazar said the five children were taken to the hospital and their conditions are unknown. All family members were notified of the incident.
According to a spokeswoman for Excelled Montessori, another teacher was also injured in the crash and is currently at a local hospital.
The driver who caused the crash may have a medical history that could have led to the crash, Salazar said. She was not believed to be intoxicated.
Salazar said it is unclear if any charges will be filed against the driver at this time.
The spokeswoman for Excelled Montessori released a statement regarding the incident:
“It is with profound sadness that we share news of a tragic vehicle accident that occurred on our campus today, claiming the life of one of our beloved teachers and injuring several of our students.
Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and loved ones impacted by this unimaginable loss. The Excelled Montessori community is united in grief, and we are committed to providing all the support and resources needed during this difficult time.
We are working closely with local authorities as they investigate this incident and will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of the children in our care as well as our staff and families.
Counseling and support services are being made available to anyone in need. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for everyone affected and respectfully request privacy for the families as they navigate this devastating time."
The spokeswoman added the campus will be closed Friday “as the school deals with this unimaginable tragedy.”
The eastbound lanes of I-10, which were closed for over two hours, are now open, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s website.
KSAT will update this story as more information becomes available.
