Students return to school following deadly bus crash

Students of the Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School headed back to school Tuesday morning with Monday’s deadly bus crash heavy on their minds.

The crash killed one young girl and the bus driver, as well as injuring several other students.


A makeshift memorial has been placed at the crash site, which is located in the 900 block of S. Emerson Avenue. 

At approximately 7:40 a.m. Monday, bus 43 was heading to the school when it crashed into an east side bridge, killing Donasty Smith, 5, and Thomas Spencer, 60, on impact.

Several other students were hospitalized, and some students remain in serious condition.

The mother of Smith said she cannot believe her little girl is gone.  The memorial for Smith is growing at the crash site.

Smith’s 7-year-old sister was also on the bus, but she only sustained minor injuries.

Right now, the investigation into what caused the bus to crash continues.

As students head back to class Tuesday, counselors will be on hand to help them through the day.