COATESVILLE, PA – A dangerous turn of events led to the cancellation of a scheduled high school football game between Coatesville and Downingtown East, with Coatesville high schools opting for remote learning following a school bus shooting. The matchup, slated for Thursday evening, was mutually canceled after a bus carrying high school students was struck by bullets.
Downingtown Area School District took to social media to confirm the decision, emphasizing unity with Coatesville and pledging updates on a potential rescheduled game. At the heart of community support, both districts stand together in this unsettling time.
The shooting incident transpired around mid-afternoon on the 300 block of Charles Street. Despite the severity, no injuries were reported among the bus occupants. The district’s superintendent, Dr. Catherine Van Vooren, confirmed that a bullet penetrated the bus’s windshield and reassured vigilant action in collaboration with police.
The district swiftly implemented remote learning for higher grades while elementary and middle schools continued with heightened security setups. Van Vooren highlighted efforts to check on the student’s welfare and reiterated the district’s commitment to their safety and support.
Nikki Batt, a colleague in Downingtown, lauded the bus driver’s composed response in managing the crisis efficiently. The Coatesville Police Department, alongside the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, declared the case a pressing investigation, appealing to the public for any information regarding the incident.
Coincidentally, Unionville High School in Chester County postponed its football game against Kennett High School, reacting to potential safety concerns involving a knife threat. Other activities at Unionville persist, backed by reinforced police visibility.