One student dead after Mesquite bus crashes with nearly 40 on board

One student was killed when a Mesquite Independent School District bus rolled onto its side and caught fire on Wednesday afternoon.

It happened on Interstate 20 and Lawson Road between 3:45 and 3:50 p.m., according to the school district.

The district said in a tweet that one child, who was not identified, was killed. Three others were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

“We know these citizens saved many lives tonight and we are deeply moved by and thankful for their heroic acts. But it is with a very heavy heart that we must confirm that today, we lost one student,” the tweet stated.

The Mesquite police department also said in a statement three police officers and the bus driver were taken to the hospital with “non-life threatening injuries.”

Aerial footage from news helicopters shows the bus on its side, the rear emergency door open and rising smoke.

The rest of the students were taken to Terry Middle School, where the bus originated. Counselors will be at Terry Middle to meet with students and families.

“We ask for continued prayers for this family, the Terry Middle School family and our entire MISD community,” a tweet from the district said.

Superintendent David Vroonland said the crash involved only the bus.

This is a developing story that will be updated when we have more information.

This story was originally published October 3, 2018 at 5:26 PM with the headline "One student dead after Mesquite bus crashes with nearly 40 on board."