Local emergency agencies and community organizations came together late Thursday night to assist a college team from Texas after a major accident on Interstate 20 in Minden.
According to the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the crash occurred at approximately 11:30 PM on March 20. Within an hour and 15 minutes, multiple agencies coordinated efforts to transport more than 40 passengers from the interstate to safety.
The response included the City of Minden Police Department, City of Minden Fire Department, Advanced EMS, Webster Parish School Board, First Baptist Minden, St. Rest Baptist Church, and Andrew’s Towing. The Webster Parish School Board assisted in transporting the team to First Baptist Minden, where the church opened its facility to accommodate the group. St. Rest Baptist Church later provided further assistance by taking the team to their final destination.
The coaching staff of the Texas-based team praised the coordination of the response, stating they had “never seen such coordination during an emergency like this.”
A Texas Southern University alumnus also expressed gratitude, commenting on social media, “Thank you so much for taking care of our students & coaching staff! TSU owes Minden a debt of gratitude!”
The Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness publicly acknowledged the efforts of all involved, commending their service to visitors passing through the parish.