After bus crash, Huskies band skips Apple Cup

PULLMAN — Following the crash of a bus Thursday night on the way to Pullman that temporarily hospitalized 47 members, the University of Washington band didn’t continue to the Apple Cup Friday.  Ambulances transported the passengers to nearly hospitals, where none of the injuries were considered serious.

One of the six buses transporting the band and spirit squad rolled onto its side Thursday on an icy stretch of I-90 about halfway between Seattle and Pullman, near the town of George.  The bus held 56, and only two remained under medical care Friday, according to a statement from the school.

The Washington State Patrol listed in its report the cause of the crash as “speed too fast for conditions.”

The Washington State marching band picked up for its cross-state colleagues and played the UW fight song in “W” formation before the game in Martin Stadium.

UW band director Brad McDavid said the return to Seattle was because “we do everything together. With that in mind, the band will not attend the 2018 Apple Cup game in respect and consideration of the recovery our students and staff need following our bus accident.”

UW athletics director Jen Cohen student health and well being was the top priority ahead of participation in the annual rivalry game.

“It became evident that our band members need to recover and return home,” she said. She thanked Grant County first responders and the Quincy School District that opened George Elementary School as a temporary refuge for the traveling party on Thanksgiving night.

“Many of the most helpful and supportive community members were Cougars fans, who demonstrated the caring values of WSU which transcend rivalry,” she said.