Two Women Killed in School Bus Collision in Clay County, Missouri

CLAY COUNTY, MO – The Missouri Highway Patrol has identified the two victims of a fatal collision involving a school bus that occurred on Wednesday. Griselda Apolinar, 32, and Iris Barahona, 35, tragically lost their lives in the accident. A 26-year-old woman sustained severe injuries, and two 15-year-olds suffered minor injuries in the crash.

The accident unfolded as a car attempted to turn onto 92 Highway. Another vehicle swerved to avoid the turning car and collided with the school bus. The impact resulted in the fatalities of the two passengers in the car that struck the bus. Griselda Apolinar was pronounced dead at the hospital, while Iris Barahona was declared dead at the scene.

Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene to provide assistance and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The 26-year-old woman who was driving the car was hospitalized with severe injuries. The two 15-year-olds, who were passengers in the car, were also taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The collision has left the community in shock and mourning. The Missouri Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the sequence of events started when a vehicle attempted to make a turn onto the highway, causing another car to swerve and collide with the school bus.

Local authorities and the school district are cooperating fully with the investigation, offering support to the affected families and ensuring the safety of students who were on the bus. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries among the students on the bus.

Griselda Apolinar and Iris Barahona’s deaths have sent waves of grief through the community. Friends and family remember them as cherished individuals whose lives were cut tragically short. Vigils and memorial services are being planned to honor their memory and support their grieving families.

The Missouri Highway Patrol is urging anyone who witnessed the accident or has additional information to come forward to assist with the investigation. As the community grapples with this tragic event, local officials emphasize the importance of road safety and vigilance to prevent future accidents.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of road conditions and the importance of careful driving. The investigation continues, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The community remains united in their sorrow, offering prayers and condolences to the families of Griselda Apolinar and Iris Barahona. Their untimely deaths are a profound loss to all who knew them.