The Ghost Inside Involved In Horror Bus Crash; Drummer In ICU

Stalwart US outfit The Ghost Inside have survived a horrific two-vehicle accident in Texas that has reportedly claimed the lives of both drivers, with band drummer Andrew Tkaczyk now being cared for in an intensive-care unit after being airlifted to hospital from the scene.

According to several local outlets (via KVIA, KFMX), the accident — which involved The Ghost Inside's tour bus and a semi-trailer — occurred about 9.15am about 24 miles (38.5 kilometres) outside of El Paso, resulting in a total shutdown of the highway in both directions while emergency crews work to clear the debris. They had played the previous evening in Lubbock, about five hours' drive away.

US trucker Jay Ivie was among the first on the scene, being responsible for the photo of the accident that has since been reproduced around the internet, telling KFMX at the time that three members of the band were rescued "unscathed", though it has since been confirmed by multiple sources (including The Amity Affliction frontman Joel Birch, before The Ghost Inside provided an update on their social media) that the entire band, as well as their crew, have survived the crash.

The full extent of the incident is not yet clear — along with Tkaczyk, another, as-yet-unidentified, member of the band was also airlifted to hospital — while a GoFundMe page set up to aid the band's medical costs, gear replacement and the funereal costs for their driver, who leaves behind a small child, explains that several members of the band and crew "suffered serious injuries". According to KVIA, Tkaczyk's brother Nick confirmed that the drummer had been taken to the ICU.

The incident comes all of a day after US hard rock band Hinder were involved in a similar (though non-fatal) crash. The Ghost Inside were due to play a further four shows on their present Locals Only tour, in honour of their 2014 album Dear Youth; all remaining dates have been cancelled. There is no indication at present as to whether this will have flow-on impacts for the band's planned place aboard The Amity Affliction's Big Ass Tour early next year.