A Community Rattled: Youth Football Bus Crash in Economy, PA

On the morning of Saturday, August 23, 2025, tragedy struck when a bus carrying the Aliquippa Junior High School football team to a scrimmage crashed in Economy Borough, Beaver County — about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh. The accident occurred around 10 a.m. on a sharp bend along Shaffer Road, where the bus tipped onto its side before coming to rest, entangled with live utility wires and sustaining significant front-end damage.

Of the 28 people aboard — comprising 25 students, the bus driver, and two accompanying adults — 21 were injured. The driver was among the injured, though both adults remained unharmed. Emergency responders transported the injured: most students were taken to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (with only one still remaining hospitalized after surgery), while others were sent to Allegheny General Hospital and Heritage Valley Sewickley. One child was airlifted, spotlighting the severity of the incident.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, though officials noted it occurred on a notably dangerous curve in the road.

The emotional response from the community was immediate and heartfelt. Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker urged collective support, asking people to “just pray for our babies” and to “make sure they’re okay.” Statewide, Governor Josh Shapiro expressed solidarity, offering the administration’s full support and calling for prayers for the students, coaches, and families.

Within the school district, Superintendent Dr. Phillip Woods canceled all junior high football activities for the upcoming week to allow time for healing and recovery. A meeting was scheduled for Monday evening for parents to address concerns and updates, and mental health resources were allocated for students and staff. A vigil at Louis “Lefty” Cepull Memorial Park that evening offered a focal point for grief, hope, and communal strength.

This incident lays bare how swiftly sports routines can escalate into crises—and how deeply a tight-knit community can rally in response. As students recover and the investigation unfolds, Aliquippa’s resilience is already undeniable.