SHAWNEE COUNTY— Authorities with USD 437 are providing crisis counselors for students, parents and staff on Monday as they work through the grief following the death of three elementary school students in a weekend on the Kansas Turnpike.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported just after 9a.m. Saturday, a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by Robert Hosey Russell, 70, Huntsville, Alabama, was southbound on Interstate 335, the Kansas Turnpike, just south of Topeka.
The semi struck a 2018 Dodge van driven by Amber Marie Peery, 32, Topeka, as the driver attempted to make a turn through the barrier wall, according to the KHP.
Three children including two 9-year-old girls and an 8-year-old girl all from Topeka died in the crash.
EMS transported Peery, a 5-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl both of Topeka to Stormont Vail. Russell was not injured.
The girls who died were Auburn-Washburn elementary school students, according to a statement from USD 437 Superintendent Scott McWilliams. "These students include a Jay Shideler Elementary third grader along with two Farley Elementary fourth graders."
"We are keeping these students and their families in our thoughts. Such a loss raises emotions and questions for our entire school community, especially our students."
"Our schools have crisis teams made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this."
"On Monday morning, Farley Elementary and Jay Shideler Elementary students will be notified in an age-appropriate manner about what occurred. There will be designated areas of support offered to students who need time to process, discuss, or grieve. We will have counselors and social workers available to meet with students and staff members as needed.”