DRESDEN, Ohio — The family of kindergartener killed in a school bus crash is grieving, and hoping his death prompts lawmakers to approve a law that would require seat belts to be installed in buses.
Kasey King, 6, was killed Wednesday when his school bus overturned along state Route 60 in rural Muskingum County. The bus was on its way to Nashport Elementary School when it veered off the side of the road, rolled at least once and landed on its top in a ditch.
The State Highway Patrol has yet to determine what caused the bus to wreck. No other vehicles were involved.
Six other students riding the bus, along with the driver, were treated for injuries at hospitals in Zanesville and Columbus. None of their injuries were considered life-threatening.
King was the only fatality.
SLIDESHOW: Images Of Crash | WEB EXTRAS:Letter From Nashport Elementary Principal |State Superintendent Statement On Bus Crash
On Wednesday, Kasey's stepfather, Joe Thomas, fought back tears as he described his stepson as a smart kid with excellent grades who was loved by his teachers.
"He was just a great kid," Thomas said.
Thomas said the crash left him wondering why there is not a law requiring students to wear seat belts when riding buses.
"Why isn't there a seat belt? Because he had to wear one on his preschool bus," Thomas said.
On the same day as the crash that killed King, the Ohio House transportation committee approved a bill which would mandate school buses have seat belts by 2014. The full house could vote on the measure Thursday.
Thomas said he hopes the proposal becomes law and honors his stepson's life.
"I would like my wife's request to become reality, and that the school bus seat belt law be called the Kasey Law in his memory," Thomas said.
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