Channelview High School’s band director is back in Houston nearly a week after he was seriously injured in a bus crash in Alabama.
Aaron Allison faces extensive rehab. He’s gotten a lot of praise for his actions during an accident that left him temporarily unable to walk.
“We were very blessed with what happened,” Allison said. “God was definitely watching over us that night, because it could have been much worse.”
Allison was near the front of the bus last Tuesday morning when it plunged 50 feet into a ravine off I-10 in Alabama.
We’ve learned he tried to wake the driver who had become incapacitated. But his actions are something Allison didn’t want to discuss on his way into rehab.
“I’m just glad all my kids are back ere and have come back safely,” Allison said. “Of course, I feel awful for the driver and what happened to him.”
Allison was on board one of two buses with 40 students and five other adults when their trip home from performing at Disney World ended so violently.
“Basically, my entire left side is broken or rodded, my right foot is broken,” Allison said. “One hand is the only thing that’s not broken in some manner.”
Despite his injuries, first responder Brandon Thompson told KHOU 11 News last week the band director refused to be taken out of the bus until the last student was freed.
“We’ve got one kid left behind, and we’re hoping he’ll be back in Houston soon,” Allison said.
Mr. Allison, or “Alli,” as he’s known to the band, seems to always be thinking of them.
“Do what you can, get better,” Allison said.
Mr. Allison’s wife, Erin, who is also a band director, greeted him at the rehab hospital.
Meanwhile, counselors were available to Channelview High students who returned from Spring Break on Monday.
We’re told the bus driver, Harry Caligone, will be laid to rest this weekend as the accident remains under investigation.