Officials: Bus Carrying Members Of Univ. Rowing Team Involved In Accident; 1 Dead In Other Vehicle

BETHLEHEM, Pa., (CBS) -- Officials say 18 members of a university rowing team were injured and a person in another vehicle died following an accident in Lehigh County, Pa.

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the crash involving a bus carrying members of the Lehigh University crew team and another vehicle.

State Police say the accident happened shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday on Route 22 near the Schoenersville Road exit in Hanover Township.

Lehigh University released the following statement:

"There was a traffic accident involving the Lehigh men's and women's crew team, who were riding in a Lehigh bus when the accident occurred early this evening on westbound Route 22. The 20 students on the bus have been transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation, but preliminary reports indicate that there are no serious injuries involving Lehigh students or personnel.

Reports indicate that there was a fatality involving another vehicle in the accident.

Lehigh Dean of Students personnel and members of the athletic department are assisting the students. The Lehigh University Police Department is on the scene.

Our thoughts are with the students and their families, as well as the other individuals who were involved in this tragic circumstance."

"We could hear the impact and everything, it was crazy it really was," said an eyewitness.

A hospital spokesperson tells CBS 3 the 20 students were taken to three area hospitals. Nineteen students are being treated for minor injuries, and one student suffered moderate injuries, according to the spokesperson.

The Lehigh County Coroner's Office says the 28-year-old driver of the other vehicle was pronounced dead at 7:02 p.m.  An autopsy will be performed on Wednesday to determine the exact cause of death.  The driver has not been identified at this time.

The Lehigh County Coroner's Office and the Pennsylvania State Police are conducting the investigation.