A tragic accident unfolded on a South Carolina highway Thursday, claiming one life and leaving several others seriously injured after a school bus carrying students from a field trip overturned.
The incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Interstate 77 in Chester County, near exit 55. According to authorities, a bus belonging to Lexington County School District 2, transporting approximately 35 middle school students and three adult chaperones from Pine Ridge Middle School, experienced a tire blowout while returning from the trip.
According to Chester County Emergency Management Director Ed Darby, emergency responders treated around 21 individuals for injuries. Approximately 17 of those students required immediate medical attention and were transported to area hospitals by ambulance and helicopter.
Key details about the casualties:
- One student tragically lost their life; their identity has not been released.
- Five other students remain in critical condition.
- The three adult chaperons on board sustained no injuries.
The bus careened off the road after the tire failure, striking a guardrail before overturning.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and support go out to the Lexington County School District 2 and those involved,” stated a post from the Chester County School District on Facebook.
Law enforcement agencies, EMS personnel, and school district staff responded swiftly to the scene. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident.
“Traffic is expected to be blocked for an extended amount of time,” officials stated.
Lexington County School District 2 has not yet released further information regarding the incident.
