Chester County, S.C. — A tragic bus accident involving a school bus from Lexington County School District Two resulted in the death of one person and left several injured on Thursday.
The collision occurred on Interstate 77 when a bus, carrying students from Pine Ridge Middle School returning from a field trip, experienced a tire blowout. This incident caused the bus to veer off the road, strike a guardrail, and ultimately overturn.
South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed the fatality and multiple injuries, with some victims reported to be in critical condition. The exact number of students aboard the bus at the time of the accident was not immediately clear, but the bus was one of three traveling in a group.
Eyewitness reports from the scene described a chaotic environment as emergency responders and teachers worked to free the students from the wreckage. Wesley Willis, an 8th grader on the bus, recounted the terrifying moment the bus flipped over. “Kids were screaming; teachers were trying to help students,” he said.
Emergency services, including Lancaster County EMS, reacted promptly, transporting numerous injured parties to local hospitals. Among the injured was a teacher who was reported to have sustained significant injuries and required airlift evacuation from the crash site.
Local law enforcement, alongside multiple emergency response teams, quickly cordoned off the area to facilitate the swift arrival of medical and recovery teams. “It was a coordinated response from multiple agencies to manage the situation effectively,” said Londa Pringle from the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials also set up a reunification center for parents and students, which was situated behind a local gas station in Blackstock. This provided a space for those affected to gather and receive information in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
The broader community, including government officials, expressed their condolence and concern. South Carolina’s State Superintendent of Education, Ellen Weaver, expressed her heartbreak over the event, echoing a sentiment of statewide mourning for those affected. Similarly, Governor Henry McMaster shared his condolences, emphasizing the tragedy of the event and calling for prayers for the victims and their families.
Investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing, led by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. This information will be crucial for determining how such accidents might be prevented in the future and ensuring the safety of student transportation.
The accident has left the Pine Ridge Middle School community and the larger regional community shaken, prompting discussions on the safety measures and protocols concerning school trips and bus transportation.