FRANKLIN COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a charter bus incident involving member of the Ottawa University football team that occurred on Interstate 35 just outside Emporia on Sunday, according to a statement from Campus President Dr. Reggies Wenyika.
The team was on the way home from a football game against Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. The bus carrying the defensive team and coaches experienced a mechanical failure and lost all steering capabilities.
The bus driver was able to bring the bus to a stop safely in a ditch on the side of the road. There were no injuries.
With the assistance of the Lyon County Sheriff's Department, everyone was moved to a safe location until alternative transportation arrangements were made.
Ottawa Athletic Director Arabie Conner was in touch with the owner of the charter bus company. They deployed another bus to pick up the student-athletes and coaches. All arrived back on campus by 3:10 a.m, according to Wenyika.
An official investigation on the incident is underway. Ottawa participates in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) that includes Kansas Wesleyan, McPherson, Sterling, Bethany, Tabor, Southwestern, Evangel, Friends, Bethel, Avila and The University of Saint Mary.