April 18, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. (PE)— South
Carolina Highway Patrol has confirmed a 13-year-old student was killed and at
least 21 other people were injured when a Lexington County school bus returning
from a field trip blew a tire, hit a guard rail and overturned at
mile marker 55 on I-77 near Richburg in Chester County Thursday afternoon.
Lexington School District
Two officials have confirmed there were three buses with students from Pine Ridge Middle School returning from a
field trip in Charlotte, N.C. when a bus carrying 35 students from Pine Ridge Middle
School and three adults had an accident.
One of the other buses used evasive measures to avoid colliding with the
overturned bus. Some students on that bus were treated for injuries, but it’s
unclear the severity of those injuries at this time.
Local elected officials have given comments and statements
of prayer and condolences.
“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,” S.C. Superintendent of Education, Ellen Weaver
said in
a statement. “Please join me in praying for the Lexington Two community.”
“Today’s school bus accident in Chester County is a tragedy no family should
ever have to endure,” said Governor Henry McMaster.
“Peggy and I are heartbroken. Please join us in praying for the victims, their
family, a speedy recovery for those injured, and the entire Lexington Two
community. All of South Carolina is with you.”
“Devastated to hear about the school bus crash in Chester County,” S.C. Attorney
General, Alan Wilson, Lexington County resident, said. “My heart goes out
to the students, families, and the entire Pine Ridge Middle School community.
South Carolina is praying for you.”
“Our Pine Ridge Middle School family experienced a tragedy today. Families in
our community are hurting and there are no words that will be able to ease the
pain,” said State
Sen. Russell Ott, (D) District 26, said. The middle school is in the
district he represents.
“I want to thank first responders at the scene and everyone who came together
to ensure parents could be unified with their children quickly and safely. As
we continue to sort through the details of the accident, be assured all involved
are working to make sure every resource is available to those affected,” added
Ott.
First responders and local law enforcement from dozens of agencies arrived on
the scene shutting down I-77 in both directions as ambulances and helicopters helped
transport those with serious injuries to nearby hospitals. I-77 southbound lanes
were closed for six hours after the crash.
The school district set up a “reunification site” for students' families six
miles south of the crash site. Passengers on all three buses were cleared by
EMS after a medical evaluation and taken to the reunification site for pick up
according to the school district.
Pine Ridge Middle School started spring break on Friday, but early Friday
morning at 7 a.m., the Pine Ridge Middle School community gathered around the flag
poles at the school for a prayer vigil.
“Even at this most painful time, it is a source of comfort to know that we live
in a community and state where people look out for each other,” said Lexington Two Superintendent Brenda Hafner,
expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.
Counseling services were also made available at the school Friday morning, and a
letter to parents from the district said additional support services will also
be available when students return from spring break April 28.
Pine Ridge Middle School has set up a donation page for those who’d like to
give help to the families of those still in the hospital. You can find those resources on their
website.
The accident remains under investigation by the South
Carolina Highway Patrol.
Tony Spain is a former candidate for Richland County Council
2020 and an award winning former military photographer and journalist while in
the Public Affairs Office for the U.S. Army. His photos and writing have been
published in numerous publications such as The Commercial News, Danville, Ill.;
The Paraglide, Fort Bragg, N.C.; Soldier of Fortune Magazine; The State
Newspaper, Columbia, S.C., and more.
He lives in Columbia, S.C.
What Say You? Got something you'd like to say? Letter to the
Editor (Guest Column), praises, criticism, hate mail, news story tip or just
want to say, howdy. Send them to Tony@palmettoexaminer.com
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