South Fulton Officials Probe Fatal Church Bus Crash That Killed 1, Hurt Dozens

ATLANTA, GA -- One day after a horrific crash involving an Alabama church bus killed one person and injured 21 others on a busy Atlanta street, Fulton County law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident. The injured -- a boys youth group from Mount Zion Baptist Church in Huntsville -- were sent to multiple hospitals, including Grady Memorial, Atlanta Medical Center South and Southern Regional Medical Center.

Early reports indicate that the bus and a Chrysler collided on Camp Creek Parkway near East Point. A preliminary probe has revealed that the bus crossed over into the lane of the Chrysler and lost control, according to news reports.

No charges have been filed in the crash as Fulton officials have not yet interviewed the bus driver, who remains in the hospital in serious condition.

The collision was so violent that the bus flipped over. Of the nine patients hospitalized at Grady, four were listed in critical condition, according to local media. SIGN UP: To get notified of more local news like this, click here to sign up for the Atlanta Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

Madison County, Alabama Commissioner Phil Vandiver told reporters that "this is a tough time for Mount Zion Baptist Church," adding that he was a member and that his wife and son were on the bus. They are OK.

Vandiver asked that people pray for the other church members on the bus, made up of mostly 11th and 12th graders. "We'd also like you to pray for the other cars involved in it, too. We hadn't gotten any updates on them. There could be injuries," he said. Families members from Alabama were en route to Atlanta late Thursday he said. An airplane also volunteered to fly family members to Georgia.

The mother of one of the girls killed told reporters that she wanted the public to know one thing: that her daughter "loved the Lord with a love that was tangible."

The one fatality has been identified as 17-year-old Sarah Harmening. Her mother, Karen Harmening, held back tears as she described her daughter to people inside the Kingdom of God Church late Thursday.

“We asked to have the opportunity to speak because our daughter Sarah was a gift to us that was given on December 20, 1999. And she loved the Lord with a love that was tangible,” Karen Harmening said, according to WAGA-TV. “I hope you will listen to it because it’s what she lived and breathed for.”

Harmening then proceeded to read from her daughter's last journal entry, which she composed while on the bus en route to Atlanta.

When word of the accident spread, the church went to Facebook to implore believers to pray for the young people hurt in the crash. "PRAY! One of the buses with the student ministry mission had an accident on the way to the Atlanta airport," the church said. "Several serious injuries. Please pray for those injured and parents as they travel to Atlanta."

In the comments, many people, especially Atlanta's religious community, offered their homes to parents and loved ones of the youths.

"My wife and I live about 20 minutes south of the Atlanta Airport. We are willing to help with free lodging transportation or anything els," one commenter said. "We can accommodate about 7 people on beds and couches. I can also assist in transportation back to Alabama on Saturday if you need it."

Organizations and churches also offered to assist with lodging.

"Praying for all who are effected by this tragic accident," one commenter said. "Please message me if you need a room. We are members at Johnson Ferry Baptist church in east Cobb (about 5 miles from Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite). We have one guest bedroom with queen bed."

Parents of those involved in the crash were asked to contact Chris Hunter with the American Medical Response at 404-308-2299. The group will give updates to families at is office at 3505 Naturally Fresh Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30349 off Buffington Road near Union City.

The youth group were traveling to Hartsfield Airport to fly to Africa for missionary work in Botswana.

Image via Youtube / WSB-TV