Three of the 32 people injured in a Sunday bus crash in Schuylkill County are in critical condition.

The bus crashed on Interstate 81 southbound at 2:36 p.m. at mile marker 111.7, the Hegins exit, in Frailey Township. The driver lost control, traveling off the road and the right shoulder. The bus traveled across Route 25, striking a center guide rail, an embankment and stopped about 50 feet into the woods. The bus was the second of three buses traveling as a group.

State Police Public Information officer David Beohm held a press conference Monday at the Frackville barracks to provide an update on the incident.

“That created quite a challenge for the fire and EMS here in Schuylkill County,” he said.

He said the incident is “still an active investigation.”

The driver of the bus Premiere #1 Limousine, which is from Middletown, was identified as Adam Wright, 37, of Lancaster. He is in serious condition. Beohm said the driver was conscious after the crash. Beohm said he does not know if the driver was wearing a seat belt. He isn’t aware of any medical condition that might have caused the crash.

Five of the occupants were flown to hospitals, Geisinger Hospital in Shamokin, Danville, Hershey and Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill-East Norwegian Street.

WGAL8 reported those on the bus were from the LCBC Church’s Manheim Campus who were returning from a retreat near Lake Champion, New York.

Beohm said seven fire departments assisted on scene. In all, 25 EMS units also responded from Schuylkill, Lebanon, Dauphin and Northumberland.

The PSP CARS units Forensic Services Unit and MCSAP units responded. A commercial vehicle inspection was performed on site. Beohm didn’t believe there were any malfunctions with the bus. The National Transportation Safety Board is not involved.

“We’re going to get it right,” he said of the investigation.

Church group

The Lives Changed By Christ Church posted a message on its website Sunday about the crash.

In part, it thanks everyone for the prayers for those involved in the crash in the county. It says 31 freshman and sophomore students and leaders who are from the Manheim Campus were on the bus that was returning from the LCBC High School Ministry retreat in Lake Champion, New York.

“We ask that you would continue to pray for each student and their families during this very difficult time. Specifically, we are asking God for the comfort and healing of each student along with wisdom and skill for the medical teams that care for them. Additionally, we ask for peace and comfort for the families of each of the girls affected.”

Bus statement

The bus company involved in the crash Sunday where 32 people were injured in Schuylkill County released a statement.

Douglas Rydbom, the senior member of Premiere #1 Limousine, Middletown, said “thoughts and prayers” are with the driver Adam Wright, his family and “all members of the LCBC Church and their families, and the entire staff of Premiere#1 Limousine.”

He thanked people for understanding in “this very sensitive matter.”

“An investigation is ongoing and we are participating fully with all agencies involved. As soon as we have more information, we will be able to answer additional questions, but the incident has just occurred and our main focus at this time is on Mr. Adam Wright, the LCBC family, and the Premiere #1 family,” Rydbom said.

An employee who answered the phone said Wright was alert. Those who witnessed the crash are asked to call state police at Frackville at 570-874-5300.