One child has been killed and 23 have been injured in a school bus crash in German Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, approximately 30 miles northeast of Dayton.

The one child who died was ejected from the bus and pronounced dead at the scene. The other 23 children were transported to Dayton Children’s Hospital, one with life-threatening injuries. The accident occurred when a Honda Odyssey minivan veered left of center, and the bus driver swerved right to avoid a collision. The vehicles still collide, resulting in the bus going off the road and overturning.

Uninjured students were reunited with their parents or caregivers at the German Township Fire Station. The bus driver suffered minor injuries. The driver of the minivan and a passenger were transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

“We will have grief counselors available for anyone who needs additional support during this tragedy. The Elementary and the Jr/Sr High will open at 8 a.m. for students, staff, and community members who need assistance and want to talk to a mental health specialist. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families that have been impacted by this tragedy,” The Northwestern Local School District said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Ohio is one of 41 states that do not require seat belts on school buses despite federal recommendations according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

“This case is a gut-wrenching reminder that failure to act on our recommendations can lead to an unimaginable and preventable tragedy. School buses are often praised for their safety record, but we’ve become complacent. Children’s lives are at stake. The time to act is now,” NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated.

The Ohio Parent Teacher Association has encouraged local school districts to install seatbelts in school buses. Only three school districts in Ohio have voluntarily installed seatbelts on their buses.

The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.