One dead after school bus overturned on I-77 in Chester County; several others injured
CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A school bus accident on Interstate 77 Thursday afternoon has left one person dead and several others injured, while causing major traffic delays through York and Chester counties in South Carolina.
The crash happened around 1:45 p.m. Thursday, April 17, when one of three buses carrying students from Pine Ridge Middle School in Lexington County, S.C., overturned while traveling south on I-77.
The S.C. Highway Patrol says one person was killed in the crash, while dozens of others went to various Charlotte-area hospitals.
The incident was triggered by a blown tire on one of the buses, which was carrying about 35 students and three adults. Troopers say the bus drove off the side of the highway, struck a guard rail and overturned.
The other two school buses in the group weren’t involved.
First responders reported needing several EMS units and even helicopters to help with the injuries. “I’ve got people trapped under the bus,” one responder was heard saying on a radio call.
Officials with Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill said they are treating 28 patients from the incident, and all of those are in good condition.
“Our compassionate and highly experienced trauma and emergency team members are working to provide the highest level of care to all patients,” the hospital’s statement said.
The accident occurred near Exit 55 on I-77, bringing traffic to a complete standstill.
Authorities have warned drivers to avoid the area, as it could take several hours to clear up the mess. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Chester County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the crash and working with emergency responders.
Troopers have offered the following detour for drivers on southbound I-77: Take Exit 55 and turn left. Go down to S.C. 901 and take a right, go to S.C. 200 and take another right. That will take you back to I-77 on exit 48.
While no official numbers have been confirmed yet, a number of students have already been transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The bus was from Lexington County School District Two, and the district has confirmed that it was part of a group of buses returning from the field trip when the tire blew and caused the crash. At this point, I-77 South is still closed near the scene.
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
