Documentary of Deadly Bus Crash to Premiere
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Posted: 9:08 AM Dec 29, 2009
Documentary of Deadly Bus Crash to Premiere
A documentary film about the school bus crash that killed 26 children and their driver is set to debut February in Prestonsburg, near the site of the tragedy 51 years ago.
Reporter: The Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (AP) - A documentary film about the school bus crash that killed 26 children and their driver is set to debut February in Prestonsburg, near the site of the tragedy 51 years ago.

The film ,"The Very Worst Thing" will chronicle the events and memories of the Feb. 28, 1958, crash at Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River.
The film includes photos and recordings made at the crash site and interviews with Martha Burchett, one of the children who escaped the bus and was rescued from the river.

The premiere of the film directed by Michael Crisp will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Angela Grubbs on Feb 19, 2010 at 06:34 PM

I lost my best friend by a bus accident, every time I drive by the same spot everyday where she died I think about her. She tripped when her jacket got caught in the door of the bus and was run over. An accident completely the bus driver didn't know she was caught by the door, I believe he suffered a heart attack because of the fact and then retired. So I do think these people should be remembered. In front of the elementary school their is a tree planted in that very spot. I call it the A- Tree. I MISS YOU
Posted by: Phil on Dec 30, 2009 at 10:42 AM

How can anyone stupidly say this is about making money off people who have died? Documentaries seldom make much money! This is about bringing the story of a real local disaster to the generations who came later & have heard little-to-nothing about it, as well as keeping alive the memory of those who lost their lives in it. I believe the bus driver was age 27, the bus' number was 27, and 27 people died That's why the song says "Twenty-Seven Was Used By Three". I was told at the time the driver had a heart attack, but I find that unlikely since he was only 27 YOA. I hope the documentary tells what really happened. And my prayers still go out for all the survivors, parents & other relatives, & friends of those who died.
Posted by: Phil on Dec 30, 2009 at 10:30 AM

Folx, this was a REAL TRAGEDY that happened 51 years ago, and should NOT be forgotten! I almost lost my wife to a school bus accident (She was a monitor on the bus that crashed in back of Chesapeake Dec. 2000) but this was NOTHING compared to the grief felt by those who lost a child or children in 1958. I knew some of those boys from having played some scrimmage Little League 10-yr-old All-Star games the previous summer & all of us going to Coney Island together. After that, I was paranoid about riding a schoolbus for years. I have a copy of the song about this tragedy, IMO the saddest song ever made cuz it's about REALITY. You may hear it at http://obscurecountry.com/bus27.html BRING A HANKY!
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