The pregnant head coach of a Pennsylvania university's women's lacrosse team and the driver of the team bus are dead and several others are seriously injured after their tour bus went off a freeway and crashed into a tree this morning, authorities said.
Seton Hill University women's lacrosse team head coach, Kristina J. Quigley, 30, of Greensburg, Pa., died of injuries sustained at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Quigley was approximately six months pregnant. Her unborn son did not survive the crash.
"The Seton Hill community is mourning the loss of Kristina Quigley and her unborn son. The University extends deepest sympathy to Quigley's husband and family," said university spokeswoman Kary Coleman in a statement.
The university will hold a memorial Mass for Quigley and prayer for Guaetta and those injured in the crash in a chapel on the school's campus at 7 p.m. Sunday, the statement said.
Anthony M. Guaetta, 61, of Johnstown, Pa.,who was driving the bus, died at the scene of the accident, according to the Cumberland County Corner's Office.
Twenty-three Seton Hill lacrosse players and three coaches were traveling eastbound on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Lancaster, Pa. when the bus crashed around 9 a.m, Pennsylvania Turnpike spokeswoman Renee Colburn said.
Fifteen onboard were transported to hospitals with injuries,and three needed to be airlifted by helicopter to Hershey Medical Center, said Coleman.
ABC affiliate WHTM-TV in Harrisburg, Pa., reported that several of the lacrosse players have already been discharged from local hospitals with minor injuries.
Photos from the scene showed the bus upright on the side of the road, part of its left side shorn off, though it's unclear whether that was from the impact or rescue operation.
Mlaker Transportion, the company that owns and operates the bus, released a statement in wake of the tragedy.
"Mlaker Transportation wishes to express its sorrow and sympathy to those impacted by this accident. Mlaker Transportation places the safe transportation of all of our passengers at the highest level. With more than 40 years in operation, we strive to make a trip on one of our coaches a great experience," it said.
Seton Hill is a Catholic school of about 2,500 students near Pittsburgh. The team was on their way to game against Millersville University, about 50 miles away from the crash site.
State police were investigating the crash, Megan Silverstram of the Cumberland County public safety department said, and state environmental officials were also sent to the scene because of a diesel fuel spill from the bus.
Seton Hill is offering immediate counseling services to students and members of the school community, Coleman said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(Image Credit: ABC News)
