13-year-old boy killed in school bus crash on I-77; several hurt in Chester County tragedy
CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A school bus crash on I-77 in Chester County has claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy and left several others injured, turning a routine field trip into a heartbreaking tragedy for a South Carolina community.
The accident happened just before 2 p.m. Thursday, April 17, when one of three school buses from Pine Ridge Middle School in Lexington County suffered a tire blowout while heading south on Interstate 77.
The blown tire caused the school bus, carrying about 35 students and three adults, to veer off the highway near Exit 55, hit a guardrail, and overturn.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and reported multiple injuries and people trapped under the overturned vehicle. “I’ve got people trapped under the bus,” one first responder was heard saying over radio traffic.
Among the injured were 28 individuals who were transported to Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, where they are all reported to be in good condition. Several others were treated at hospitals across the Charlotte area. Helicopters were brought in to help quickly transport the most seriously injured.
Tragically, one eighth-grade student, a 13-year-old boy from Pine Ridge Middle School, died in the crash. The Chester County Coroner’s Office confirmed the fatality with Queen City News but is not releasing the boy’s name at the request of his grieving family.
The other two buses in the group were not involved in the crash and returned safely.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and Chester County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the crash, with initial findings pointing to the blown tire as the cause. I-77 has since reopened after being shut down for several hours on Thursday.
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. All of South Carolina is with you.
Gov. Henry McMaster
“Our hearts are broken by the tragic bus accident in Chester County this afternoon. Our entire state is mourning alongside the Pine Ridge Middle School families, friends, classmates, and educators. Please join me in praying for the Lexington Two community.
S.C. Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Lexington County School District Two following a bus accident on I-77 in Chester County. One of its buses flipped on its side, and we are deeply concerned for all those affected. Both our Safety and Communications offices have reached out to offer any assistance they may need.
Rock Hill Schools
