Multiple fatalities reported in Chattanooga elementary school bus crash

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (TheBlaze/AP) — Several elementary school children in Chattanooga have died and dozens of others were sent to the hospital following a bus crash Monday afternoon.

Assistant Chief Tracy Arnold said Monday evening that there were multiple fatalities in the elementary school bus crash but declined to provide an exact number.

Hamilton County District Attorney Neal Pinkston said there six fatalities, which included five deaths at the scene and one at the hospital, told reporters.

Chattanooga Police declined to confirm those numbers immediately Monday evening.

Police reported at a news conference Monday that the bus was the only vehicle involved in the crash. The students on board ranged from kindergarten through fifth grade.

In Nashville, Gov. Bill Haslam called the crash "a tragic event" and offered assistance.

Fletcher said police were interviewing the bus driver to determine what happened.

A text to parents read:

We just wanted to inform you that Hamilton County schools faced a great tragedy today. School and county personnel are on scene of a bus accident on Tally Road in Chattanooga. Extra counselors and support staff will be on hand to help students process this horrible incident.

The bus was carrying students from Woodmore Elementary.

A blood donation center is requesting donations, WSB-TV reported.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.