Tragic Bus Crash Claims Life, Injures Others in Chester County

CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — One person is dead and at least 11 others sustained injuries following a crash involving a school bus on Interstate 77 on Thursday afternoon. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the bus was carrying approximately 35 students and three adults from Pine Ridge Middle School, returning from a field trip.

The crash occurred at around 1:47 p.m. near exit 55 when one of the buses experienced a tire blowout, causing the driver to lose control. The bus subsequently ran off the road, struck a guardrail, and overturned, law enforcement officials confirmed.

Emergency services reported multiple injuries, with five individuals—whose identities and ages have not been released—listed in critical condition. Authorities did not disclose whether the deceased was a student or an adult, leaving families seeking information in distress.

Londa Pringle, spokesperson for the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, stated, “Multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies responded to the crash with urgency.” She also confirmed that the two other buses in the convoy were not involved in the accident.

Pine Ridge Middle School, located in West Columbia and part of Lexington County School District Two, was instrumental in coordinating the response. The district expressed its condolences post-accident, urging the community to come together in support of affected families.

South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver issued a heartfelt statement, saying, “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.”

Additionally, Governor Henry McMaster echoed these sentiments, stating, “Today’s school bus accident in Chester County is a tragedy no family should ever have to endure. Peggy and I are heartbroken and join in prayer for the victims and their families.”

Parents of students involved in the incident were directed to a reunification site located off Exit 48 on I-77 for further communication and support. As investigations continue, traffic on I-77 was heavily congested, with authorities advising motorists to find alternate routes.

Emergency crews, including multiple helicopters, were dispatched to the scene to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The situation remains fluid as updates are awaited regarding the well-being of those injured and the identity of the deceased.