LANSING — Two Bridgeport High School students were involved in a serious motor vehicle wreck Wednesday evening on U.S. Route 40 in Pease Township.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 1999 BMW 232i was traveling westbound on Route 40. As it negotiated a right curve, the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a curb, an embankment and eventually a utility pole.

Both the driver and passenger sustained significant injuries and were transported to Wheeling Hospital.

Bridgeport Fire and EMS, Wolfhurst EMS and Brookside EMS responded to the scene, with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office also assisting the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Bridgeport Superintendent Brent Ripley said that once he became aware of the accident, he sent a message to all high school families and students Wednesday evening. In the message, Ripley informed families that a wreck had occurred involving two students and encouraged the community to come together to lift up those students in prayer.

“Our student council is planning a fundraiser for both families. They’ll be doing something for the families with all of the proceeds being split equally amongst both families,” Ripley said. “The principal [Jack Fisher] met with faculty and staff to make sure that we cover all of the needs of all of the kids there in high school and middle school.”

He added that the high school and older middle school students will gather Thursday for an assembly.

“We have mental health support on site for kids to communicate with the students and families,” Ripley said.

He added that he is aware that multiple fundraisers have appeared on social media that are not district-related.

Ripley said that to ensure funds raised go toward the families, any fundraising initiative by the district will be shared through the district’s app so parents know it is from the school.

“We just want to make sure that whatever we do, all of that money goes to both families,” he said.

Ripley added that the multiple fundraisers that have appeared in the past 24 hours are a testament to how powerful the Ohio Valley is when it comes together.

“We had members of the community, from coaches to parents to community members, that were there on site helping out, whether it was local fire, EMS and policemen. Even digging into the paramedics that transported the kids to Wheeling Hospital, the coaches that helped take family members to the hospital,” Ripley said. “Let’s talk about the incredible job that WVU Medicine did from everybody on site and on staff, that cared for these kids like they were one of their own. And everybody who’s pulled together, whether it’s care for the kids or prayers and just positive thoughts for the kids, we’re grateful and I know their family members are as well. That’s the power of Bridgeport and the power of the Ohio Valley.”