Bus Collision, October 2007

This page is being used as a repository of old information that had previously appeared on the main web page regarding the bus collision from October 14, 2007. Any questions regarding further information on the collision can be addressed to webmaster@hawksband.org. If any new information should come up regarding this incident it will first be posted on the main web page. Thank you.

Important Insurance Update Regarding Bus Collision

The insurance carrier for Pflugerville ISD has decided to cover the repair of ALL instruments, whether owned by the District or not. Band members or parents are instructed to put together all receipts that they have regarding repairs or replacement of instruments and turn them in to Mr. G. If you have any questions about this please email Mr. G.

-posted Monday, January 14, 2008 by webmaster

Additional Information Regarding Bus Collision, 10/14/07

While the police report shows no insurance, the vehicle was a 2005 model and very possibly had coverage through the owner of the vehicle.  The owner was not driving.  The district's insurance company is investigating and hopes to have answers soon.  Parents with damaged instruments need to hang on to invoices or payments for repairs or replacement costs, so that if and when proof of coverage is discovered, claims can be made.

-posted Thursday, November 1, 2007 by webmaster

Support from MADD for Accident Victims

On Wednesday, October 24, there was a meeting with representative from MADD regarding the bus accident. The local MADD representative for Victim Services is Jim Currier, and anyone who wishes to obtain more information regarding the services that MADD can offer is welcome to email him directly. We will probably have some follow up meetings within the booster organization to discuss the issues involved in this accident, and what can be done to help with recovering lost instruments or reimbursement of medical expenses.

The webmaster will continue to be a point of contact for information regarding what is happening with regard to be the criminal justice process and what civil action may result from this accident. Also, Mr. Currier left several victim packets in the Band Hall if anyone wishes to pick one up.

-posted Wednesday, November 14, 2007 by webmaster

Memo Regarding Personal Instruments and PISD Insurance

Our director, Garth Gundersen, recieved a memo from the PISD Business Services Office regarding insurance for students whose personal instruments were damaged in the bus accident. To view this memo simply click here.

Statement from the Band Directors Regarding Accident on October 14, 2007

On Sunday morning (10/14) at about 2:45 am, on the way back from the Lone Star Marching Contest in Conroe, Texas, the lead bus, Bus 1, was involved in a collision with a small car.    The accident happened at the intersection of Dessau Road and Howard Lane.  The bus was traveling north on Dessau.  After the bus was propelled onto the opposite side of Dessau Road, the bus driver was able to regain control of the bus and move it onto the island in the middle of Dessau.  We were very lucky.

Seven students have reported minor injuries from the accident.  All students have been released, and are reporting soreness from the accident.  We are thankful for their safety. 

The band sustained significant damage to school-owned and personal instruments.  The car struck the under-storage of the bus, sending multiple instruments into the road.  Some instruments sustained damage from the impact.  Some sustained damage when the instruments were thrown from the bus.  32 instruments received damage from the impact.

Texas DPS and EMS both arrived on the scene quickly.  Reports have been filed by each agency.  It will take 9 to 10 days for the report to be completed by DPS.  If you need a copy of the DPS report, that report can be gathered from their office by calling, (512) 997-4109.

When insurance claim information becomes available, we will make this information available to you on this website.

The Hawk Band is thankful to Charles Dupre, Nelson Coulter, David Anderson, and our driver “Alice” for all of their help and support.  The Hawk Band is also thankful to Kelly Lane Middle School, Connally High School, Westwood High School, and Elgin High School for the donation of equipment during this time.  And, finally, thanks to all the band boosters for doing a great job in a difficult situation.

The Hawk Band is currently deciding how to proceed with UIL tomorrow.  At this point, please assume that UIL is on.  The band will practice this afternoon but we are still assessing our needs for tomorrow.

We are thankful for our kids’ health and for the kindness expressed from the community.
From the Band Directors, Thank you!

Go Hawk Band!!!!!!!!!!

-posted Monday, October 15, 2007 by webmaster

Important Note Regarding Accident on October 14, 2007

We are aware that, for a variety of reasons, there is a lot of concern on the part of band members and parents of the Hawk Band regarding the accident while coming home from Conroe in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 14, 2007.. Please be aware that as more information is available it will be posted here as soon as possible.

Our first priority right now is with the health of the members of our band, particularly anyone who was on bus number 1, which was the bus involved in the accident. Please be aware that some injuries may not be immediately apparent. If any of the adults or the students who were on that bus start feeling any pain or other symptoms, especially in the head, neck or back area, they should seek medical care immediately. Parents should also be aware of the emotional needs of the students not only from bus 1, but in the entire band. Parents are encouraged to allow any student to be able to speak openly about what happened. Please lend a sympathetic ear to your child's needs and offer support. This is a time of great stress for our kids and they need all the love and care we can give them.

Secondly, there is concern regarding the equipment that might have been damaged. Band members are urged to thoroughly check their equipment for any signs of damage. We are not certain of all of the equipment that was travelling on bus 1. If there is any damage to your instrument, please contact either Mr. A or Mr. P, as they are the ones doing the assessment of the needs for equipment.

-posted Sunday, October 14, 2007 by webmaster