A tragic accident occurred on Thursday (April 17) when a school bus carrying students from Pine Ridge Middle School overturned on Interstate 77 in Chester County, South Carolina. The crash resulted in the death of a 13-year-old boy, an eighth grader from the school, as confirmed by the Chester County Coroner's Office. The student's name has not yet been released.
According to WBTV, the accident happened when the bus, traveling southbound on I-77, blew a tire, ran off the road, struck a guardrail, and overturned. The bus was returning from a field trip in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was one of three buses transporting students back to West Columbia, South Carolina.
The bus was carrying approximately 35 students and three adults. In addition to the fatality, 21 people were injured, with five reported to be in critical condition. The injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster expressed his condolences, stating, "Today's school bus accident in Chester County is a tragedy no family should ever have to endure. Peggy and I are heartbroken. Please join us in praying for the victim, their family, a speedy recovery for those injured, and the entire Lexington Two community."
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the tire blowout and subsequent crash. The other two buses involved in the trip were not part of the accident, and students who were not injured have been reunited with their families.