A journey to the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention took a precarious turn for a group of high school students when their tour bus overturned in rural Missouri, necessitating medical attention for ten of the young passengers.

The incident occurred on Wednesday as the bus, carrying approximately 50 students from Bolivar, Fair Play, and Dadeville high schools, was navigating Highway A near Phillipsburg. The site of the accident is about 40 miles from Springfield. The Missouri Highway Patrol Troop I, through spokeswoman Corporal Ralicia Tyler, reported that the bus veered off a winding road amidst heavy rainfall, eventually coming to rest on its side.

Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the ten students were minor. These individuals received medical care following the accident, while the remaining passengers were transported to Conway High School. This location served as a temporary haven where they could reunite with families and await further arrangements.

Despite this unsettling disruption, the students were en route to a significant event—the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, which began the same day. Their participation in this esteemed gathering of Future Farmers was momentarily delayed by the unforeseen circumstances on Missouri’s rain-slicked roads.

Tyler said the students were heading to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention, which kicked off on Wednesday.

Both the Bolivar Schools and Fair Play School District said students are being brought back home from Conway.

Conway Schools Superintendent Matthew Searson told Nexstar’s KOLR that the district quickly stepped in to help after receiving word about the accident around 8 a.m.

“This morning, seeing a charter bus on its side, knowing there were students in it for anyone in education, it’s a scary sight,” Searson said.

Once it was confirmed the bus was not from Conway, Searson said his district was asked to provide transportation for the stranded students. He and another staff member drove to the crash site, picked up the students and brought them to Conway’s FEMA shelter. 

“We had blankets, dry clothes, snacks, and hot chocolate ready for the students. Our therapy dog was here,” Searson said. “We worked with local law enforcement and emergency responders to check parents in and reunify families.”

Parents were able to come and pick up their children, some of whom had scrapes and bruises but no serious injuries.

“Kids were shaken up, but they followed directions,” Searson said. “One of the students told me they went out through the emergency hatch and some out the front. Everyone managed to get out safely.”

After reunification in Conway, Bolivar students were taken back to Bolivar High School. Principal Jason Blair said staff helped unload a U-Haul full of luggage belonging to all three schools.

“Once we have the luggage, we’ll contact the other districts and give students access to their belongings as quickly as possible,” Blair said, adding that once administrators were notified of the crash, they were immediately focused on the safety of the students. “We’ve taken charter buses before for various activities but never had problems. You just want to make sure students are safe.”

A longtime FFA supporter, Blair said he understands the disappointment of missing the convention but emphasized safety.

“We hate that students have to miss this opportunity, but safety has to come first,” he said.

Blair and other district leaders thanked Conway Schools, first responders and emergency crews for their coordination and care.

“Conway really stepped up. It was a great effort between the schools, law enforcement and EMTs to make sure students were safe and taken care of.”

Bolivar Schools said their students will not make the trip to Indianapolis. Fair Play Schools released a statement thanking first responders, medical personnel, and Conway Schools for their assistance.

The district said, “Their professionalism and experience made for a well-organized and planned approach. We especially thank Laclede County R-1 for going above and beyond to care for the students.”

Dadeville Schools have not yet released a statement.