One person has died and at least 21 others were injured after a school bus carrying approximately 35 students and two adults overturned on Interstate 77 in Chester County, South Carolina, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The tragic incident occurred as the bus was returning from a field trip just outside Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to reports, the bus was one of three from Pine Ridge Middle School, which is located in West Columbia, South Carolina. The accident happened when one of the buses blew a tire, leading to the driver losing control and the vehicle flipping over. The other two buses were not involved in the crash.
Emergency crews responded promptly to the scene, where they found the overturned bus lying on its side amid busy traffic. Five medical helicopters were dispatched to transport the injured to local hospitals. At least 11 individuals were confirmed hospitalized, with five of those in critical condition.
As the situation developed, authorities provided updates indicating that one individual, later confirmed to be a student, succumbed to their injuries. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has been involved in the investigation, but they have not yet disclosed the identities of those injured or the deceased.
The Lexington County School District 2, which oversees Pine Ridge Middle School, released a statement expressing their condolences and support for the affected families. The district confirmed that the students were returning from an educational trip when the accident occurred. "Early this afternoon, three buses carrying students from Pine Ridge Middle School were traveling home south on Interstate 77, following a field trip just outside Charlotte. A tire blew on one of the buses, causing an accident. EMS is on the scene, along with other emergency responders, law enforcement agencies, and district/school personnel. EMS is assessing everyone on the scene, and some students are being transported for further evaluation," the statement read.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency responders working diligently to free trapped passengers and assess the situation. Aerial footage from the scene shows the overturned bus surrounded by emergency vehicles, with traffic backed up on both sides of the highway.
The Chester County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the crash, and they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tire blowout that led to this tragic event.
This incident has raised concerns regarding the safety of school transportation, especially during field trips. Parents and community members are urging the school district to review safety protocols and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
As this story develops, the community is coming together to support the affected families. Local organizations and school officials are planning to hold meetings to discuss the incident and provide resources for those in need.
In the wake of this tragedy, many are reflecting on the importance of safety measures for school buses and the need for regular maintenance checks to prevent such accidents. The emotional toll on students, families, and the community is profound, as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.
As investigations continue, it remains critical for authorities to communicate transparently with the public about the findings and any measures being taken to enhance safety for school transportation.
The Pine Ridge Middle School community is in mourning, and support services are being made available to help students and staff cope with the emotional impact of the accident. School counselors and mental health professionals are on hand to assist anyone affected by the incident.
In a statement, the school district emphasized their commitment to the safety and well-being of their students, stating, "Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. We are working closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of our students and provide support during this difficult time."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with school transportation and the critical need for ongoing vigilance in ensuring the safety of students during travel.
