Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools superintendent Dr Derek Varansky said that Tuesday was “the worst day of my life”.

Adressing those gathered at a prayer vigil on Tuesday night he said: “I stand before you tonight really without the words to say in a stadium that's usually full of excitement and loud noises.

“Tonight it is silent and it's a dark day in our district.

“Today began as an exciting day as our high school band would travel to Columbus to present at the Ohio School Boards Association Conference – a once in a lifetime event.

“And then it quickly turned into the darkest day and one of the darkest days in our districts history and the worst day of my life.”

Following the conclusion of the vigil, students joined hands and walked across the football field.

Many could be heard sobbing loudly.

A 15-year old student was one of the six people that was killed in the bus crash.

School district superintendent Dr Derek Varansky named the victims in a vigil held at the Tuscarawas High School on Tuesday evening.

Three teenagers – Katelyn Owens, 15, Jeffery Worrell, 18, and John Mosely, 18 – were among the dead.

High school teacher Dave Kennat, 56, and parent chaperones Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45, were also killed in the incident, Dr Varansky said.

Three students of the Tuscarawas Valley High School died in the bus crash on Tuesday, a the school district superintendent has confirmed.

It was also confirmed that one teacher and two parent chaperones had also died.

Of the 20 students that were transported to hospital following the incident, 18 have now been released. Two remain in hospital with “serious but non-life threatening” injuries.

“Our hearts are broken for the tragic accident that happened today involving members of our high school band on their way to perform at the Ohio civil Association Conference,” Dr Derek Varansky said, addressing the vigil.

“We are saddened to share that we lost three students in the accident. Students who were bright lights full of life and who lost their lives way too young.

“In addition, a car following the bus, which contained one of our teachers in two parents chaperones were involved in the accident. And tragically all three lost their lives.

“There are no words for the sheer magnitude of loss in grief felt by all of us.”

Hundreds of people gathered at the Tuscarawas Valley High School football stadium on Tuesday night for a prayer vigil in honour of the victims of the bus crash and their families.

Band students from the Tuscarawas Valley School district were onboard the bus that was involved in the fatal accident.

Six candles were placed on a tressel table in front of the bleachers. Authorities have confirmed that six people have died in the tragic accident.

Congressman Troy Balderson, of Ohio’s 12th Congressional District, added his condolences to the victims of the crash.

“I am devastated to hear about the terrible crash on I-70 involving a semitruck and a bus carrying students. My prayers are with all those involved, and I will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Mr Balderson wrote on X.

A GoFundMe page, set up by local business owner in Bolivar, Ohio, has raised over $3,000 in just four hours.

The page, set up by Tara Risner – owner of Haven Shala – is raising funds to support the families of the crash.

“Today our community is devastated after the fatal accident involving Tusky Valley Band students, chaperones, & faculty.Our hearts are so heavy,” the page description read.

“We send our love & support to the victims and families of all who were involved. Please support our community, and donate towards recovery efforts. All proceeds will go toward the Tusky Valley Band & families.”

Parents expressed their shock and dismay at news of the crash as they picked up their children from the Tuscarawas Valley Middle-High School on Tuesday morning.

"I'm sick. I'm sick to my stomach," parent Laurie Fragasse told The Columbus Dispatch.

Ms Fragasse’s daughter, Camrynn, an eighth grader, said she was scared and sad. “I don’t really know how to feel right now,” she said.

As of about 4:30 pm local time onTuesday, eastbound lanes of I-70 had reopened, while authorities continue to investigate the fatal crash.

Governor Mike DeWine said that the investigation would take some time.

Matt Bruning, spokeperson for the Ohio Department of Transportation said pavement repairs would be needed on westbound lanes on the I-70 where the crash occurred because of the fire that resulted and its impact on the pavement.

A construction crew is standing by to make those repairs as quickly as possible, The Columbus Dispatch reported.