In a heartbroken incident, a fatal school bus crash left a middle school student dead and multiple others critically injured after a tire blowout sent the vehicle careening into a guardrail.
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The 2021 Blue Bird bus, carrying 35 students from Pine Ridge Middle School, overturned on Interstate 77 in Chester County following a sudden tire failure.
The tragedy has sparked immediate concerns about school transportation safety as multiple medical helicopters rushed to the chaotic scene.
According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Sergeant Tyler Tidwell, the horrific incident occurred near Exit 55 on Interstate 77.
After experiencing a catastrophic tire failure, the bus “traveled off of the road to the right, struck a guard rail, and overturned.”
All southbound lanes were blocked as emergency responders rushed to aid the trapped students.
Five individuals were transported to hospitals in critical condition following the crash. When disaster struck, the bus was carrying students returning from a field trip in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Two other buses from the same field trip were unaffected and continued their journey safely.
Emergency response was substantial, with five medical helicopters dispatched to the scene. Approximately 35 students and four adults were transported for medical evaluation.
The Chester County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the name of the dead student as family notifications continue.
Hunter Pringle with the Chester County Sheriff’s Office stated, “I can confirm there were multiple injuries, but I do not know the specifics regarding those injuries.”
Parents experienced terrifying moments as news of the crash spread. One mother described receiving messages from her child: “The text messages said, ‘Hey, the bus flipped over, but I’m okay.'”
Despite occurring during spring break, school officials have announced that counselors will be available for students upon their return.
A vigil was quickly organized at Pine Ridge Middle School, where the community gathered to mourn the loss and pray for those injured.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster offered his condolences, “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,” he added.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tire failure.
Yet, questions remain about maintenance protocols, inspection schedules, and whether this tragedy could have been prevented through more rigorous safety measures for school transportation vehicles.
Uninjured students were reunited with their parents and guardians following the crash. The emotional scene at the reunion point highlighted both the relief of those whose children escaped serious injury and the crushing grief for the family who lost their child.
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of school bus safety and maintenance.
While investigators work to determine the exact cause of the tire failure, parents across America wonder about the safety of the buses their children ride daily.
