Several Alabama elementary students hospitalized after van crashes into tree

A van carrying children and one adult is pictured after crashing into tree just outside of Pinson, Alabama on its way to Kermit Johnson Elementary School.

At least seven children and one adult were taken to hospitals in Alabama after a daycare van carrying elementary students veered off the road and crashed into a tree.

The accident occurred just outside of Pinson around 7:30 a.m., confirmed Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen on Monday. The van was en route to Kermit Johnson Elementary School.

"First responders found a passenger van that collided with a tree head-on," Dahlen stated.

A van carrying children and one adult is pictured after crashing into tree just outside of Pinson, Alabama on its way to Kermit Johnson Elementary School.

The children's injuries were reported as minor by Dahlen, but the driver required extrication from the vehicle due to severe injuries. The students, from two Jefferson County elementary schools, were transported to Children's of Alabama in Birmingham, while the driver was taken to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Trauma Center for treatment.

Dahlen said on Monday that the number of injured children might be as high as eight, but he couldn't confirm the exact count due to conflicting reports. After the crash, several agencies including the Jefferson County Sheriff's office, Palmerdale and Glennwood fire districts, and Regional Paramedic Ambulance service (RPS) assisted the Center Point Fire Department.

The Alabama Trauma Communication Center (ATCC) aided in patient coordination, Dahlen added. The van involved in the crash was owned by Carson Village Daycare and was being used to transport children to Kermit Johnson Elementary School. Jefferson County Schools verified that the children in the accident attended Kermit Johnson Elementary School (3rd-5th grade) and Pinson Elementary School (K-2nd grade).

Following the incident, parents with children in Jefferson County elementary schools received a call. The automated message mentioned that a few kids had "suffered minor injuries, but we are being told they will be OK." It indicated that the children were taken to the hospital for evaluation and requested the community's thoughts and prayers.

The cause of the accident remains unknown, said Chris Horn, Battalion Chief with Center Point Fire District, "but she (the driver) ran off the roadway onto the right and hit a tree," Horn said.

As of Monday afternoon, there have been no updates on the condition of the children and the driver.

Passengers involved in a crash outside of Pinson, Alabama were students at two Jefferson County elementary schools. They were taken to Children's of Alabama, Birmingham to be treated for injuries.