Two Batesville High School students died, and two other minors were seriously injured in a car crash Monday afternoon in Independence County, authorities said. The incident occurred at 4:49 p.m. on State Highway 394, also known as Gap Road, according to a preliminary fatal-crash report from the Arkansas State Police (ASP).
The report stated that a 2014 Hyundai traveling east left the roadway, struck a driveway entrance, and became airborne. The vehicle then hit a second driveway and overturned. Batesville police officers were the first to arrive at the scene, where they secured the area before Arkansas State Police took over the investigation.
The ASP report noted that two minors were killed in the crash and two others— the driver and a passenger— were injured. Both injured individuals were transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for treatment. Specific ages or names of the individuals involved were not disclosed in the report.
Batesville School District confirmed that the two deceased were students at Batesville High School. The Cave City School District told KAIT that one of the injured passengers was a student at Cave City High School.
Expressing their sorrow, Batesville Police Department issued a statement saying, "Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt thoughts go out to the individuals and families affected by this tragic incident." In its own statement, the Batesville School District mourned the loss of its students and promised ongoing support to those impacted. The district also announced plans to offer resources and assistance to help students and staff cope in the days ahead.
“As we grieve together, our priority is to surround our students and staff with care, compassion, and support,” the district said, requesting the community's thoughts and prayers for the families and others affected. Out of respect for the privacy of those involved, the district stated it would not release further details.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.