Update: Drunk driver who injured 16 young hockey players identified and charged.

On Saturday night, a young hockey team traveling back from a recent hockey tournament received the shock of a lifetime when a drunk driver reportedly ran a red light and drove his tractor-trailer rig into the bus that was carrying them back home.

That hockey team was the group of young men, aged between 14 and 17 years old, who represent Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, Illinois and unfortunately 16 students were injured as a result of the drunk driver's careless actions. Although this was a terrible incident, I am happy to report that there have been no fatalities as a result of the crash.

3 students were reported to be in very critical conditions, however they have since been upgraded to stable condition. One student is believed to have required immediate surgical intervention as per the statement from Saint Ignatius.

At the time of our initial report on the incident the driver of the vehicle had not officially been charged and had not been identified, however it seemed clear that alcohol had been involved in the crash given that law enforcement officials reported a strong smell of alcohol on the driver and in the cabin of his tractor-trailer rig as well.

Thankfully the law appears to have worked quickly in this case and we now know that the driver was Victor Santos of Brooklyn, New York. Officers report that Santos failed a field sobriety test on the scene and that he also refused a chemical test on the scene. 

Santos has now officially been charged with operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, although those are only preliminary charges at this time and there likely will be more forthcoming.

Saint Ignatius Athletic Director Mike Hurley has released the following statement:

"Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers remain with our courageous student-athletes, coaches and families of our JV Hockey Team after last night's accident. Our care and support extend to our entire school community during this time. We very much appreciate all of the loving messages and well wishes we have received for all of those affected."

Stay tuned for more updates.