1 Dead, 5 in Critical Condition After School Bus Hits Guard Rail and Flips on S.C. Highway: Reports

Tragedy Strikes as School Bus Flips Over on South Carolina Highway

A devastating incident unfolded on Thursday, April 17, as a school bus carrying students to Pine Ridge Middle School in South Carolina overturned on a highway. Reports indicate that the bus was traveling with nearly 40 individuals on board when tragedy struck, resulting in one fatality and leaving five others in critical condition.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the crash, which occurred after a tire blew out on Interstate 77 in Chester County. The bus, transporting around 35 students and two adults back from a field trip near Charlotte, North Carolina, veered off the road and collided with a guard rail before overturning, as disclosed by ABC News and local outlet WIS10.

As emergency responders rushed to the scene, multiple passengers were reportedly trapped inside the bus as it lay door side down. The Chester County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there were “multiple injuries” and those affected were swiftly taken to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Images captured by WSOCTV9 depicted the arrival of helicopters and EMS crews at the accident site, while traffic was rerouted due to road closures in the aftermath of the harrowing incident. The school district expressed gratitude for the swift and concerted efforts of EMS, first responders, and law enforcement personnel in assisting the students, families, and staff members of Lexington Two impacted by the tragedy.

The Lexington County School District 2 School Bus involved in the crash was reportedly one of three buses returning from the field trip, with the other two managing to avert a similar fate. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster took to social media to extend thoughts and prayers to the victim, their family, and the entire Lexington Two community, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for solidarity during such challenging times.

Public officials, including the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and Lexington County School District, are yet to provide further details or comments on the incident as investigations continue. The community and beyond stand united in mourning the loss, hoping for a swift recovery for the injured, and extending support to all those affected by the distressing events of that tragic day.

As investigations into the school bus accident in Chester County unfold, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances leading to the crash and ensuring the safety and well-being of students and commuters on South Carolina’s roadways. Stay updated on this developing story and more by subscribing to our daily newsletter for the latest news and updates on significant incidents impacting our communities and beyond.