Several injured after Tombstone Unified school bus carrying 44 kids hits Fort Huachuca gate | Cochise County

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. (KVOA) – Several individuals sustained minor injuries after a Tombstone Unified School District school bus collided with the closed Van Deman Gate at Fort Huachuca on Thursday evening. 

According to Superintendent Sarah Cox, on Feb. 19 around 5:30 p.m., a school bus carrying a driver and 44 children was returning from after-school activities when it hit the bollards and swing gate, rendering it inoperable.

All children were safely released to their parents at the scene.

“We commend our students for their help and behavior throughout the time,” Cox said. “The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.” 

The superintendent thanked Fort Huachuca Police and Military Police for their quick and professional response. 

Military Police provided overnight security for the gate, which resumed normal operations on Feb. 20.

Local law enforcement is investigating the crash in coordination with the Tombstone Unified School District. Cox said additional details are limited at this time to protect the privacy of students and employees. 

“We encourage families to rely on official district communications for accurate updates,” Cox added after she mentioned the district is aware of comments circulating on social media. 

The swing gate is open after it was repaired at the Directorate of Public Works welding facility on Fort Huachuca.