The Tennessee Highway Patrol reopened a section of Highway 58 late last night after investigating a fatal school bus crash in Meigs County close to the Bradley County line.

Authorities confirmed the bus driver and a 7-year-old student died in the crash.

As of 8 a.m. eastern time this morning, their identities are being held and will be released at a later time.

Seven children out of 22 on board sustained injuries. Of those, five were airlifted by air medical helicopters to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, with at least one in critical condition.

Initial reports indicate a service electric truck was heading north on Highway 58 when the driver lost control and overcorrected, reentering the highway and skidding into the oncoming bus. The driver of bus 12-1 had no chance to stop in time. The operator of the utility vehicle received minor injuries.

The state’s Department of Mental Health and Meigs County crisis team will be available to help the district’s students, teachers and school bus drivers this morning.

A full accident report is expected to be released soon by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

(picture below shows five air medical helicopters after landing at Erlanger Medical Center yesterday transporting students to the hospital)