Woodmore Elementary School bus driver Johnthony Walker has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of vehicular homicide, reckless endangerment and reckless driving, according to Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher.<\/span><\/p>\n The school bus Walker was driving slammed into a tree and split apart Monday, killing at least six children, Tennessee, officials said. Walker is charged with five counts, but could face more charges as the case proceeds to a Hamilton County Grand Jury, Fletcher said. The count of fatalities does not include children who may have died at the hospital.<\/span><\/p>\n A spokeswoman from the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office said at least five children died on the scene, and one died at a hospital.<\/span><\/p>\n Fletcher said the bus, which was carrying 35 students in kindergarten through fifth-grade from Woodmore Elementary School, turned over on its side and struck the tree.<\/span><\/p>\n Authorities received a call about the crash just before 3:30 p.m., and emergency officials worked for “many hours” to remove all the children from the bus, he said.<\/span> Speed is a possible factor<\/span> He added that driving conditions were clear and dry.<\/span><\/p>\n Fletcher said “a warrant has been issued to remove the informational box on the school bus and review the video.”<\/span><\/p>\n Police said the bus driver is cooperative and talking to investigators.<\/span><\/p>\n Fletcher said that all the families of the victims had been notified.<\/span><\/p>\n “Taking care of the children that are injured is our No. 1 priority. Taking care of the families who are looking for, caring for and grieving for children is our second priority,” Fletcher said.<\/span><\/p>\n He added: “Our thoughts, our prayers and all of our efforts are with the families of these children and others impacted by this tragedy.”<\/span><\/p>\n The National Transportation Safety Board said it would send a team to Chattanooga early Tuesday, according to a tweet from the federal agency’s account.<\/span><\/p>\n ‘That’s my baby’<\/span> Parents heard crying and screaming “that’s my baby” as they arrive on scene. Media now being pushed back a block. CPD expanding crime scene.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2014 Stephanie Santostasi (@Stephanie_NC9) November 21, 2016<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n Fletcher said 23 victims were transported to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n “Certainly, speed is being investigated very, very strongly as a factor in this crash,” Fletcher said, adding that the investigation was still at an early stage.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n At the scene, parents were heard crying and screaming “that’s my baby” as they arrived, CNN-affiliate WTVC reported.<\/span><\/p>\n\n