In a horrifying turn of events, a deadly accident has devastated a community when a school bus crash took the life of one child and left numerous injuries in its wake.
See the tweet below.
A Pine Ridge Middle School bus carrying 35 students flipped over on Interstate 77 after a tire blowout, killing one child and critically injuring five others.
The catastrophic accident occurred near Exit 55 on Interstate 77 in Chester County, South Carolina.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the 2021 Blue Bird model bus was returning from a field trip in Charlotte when it “traveled off of the road to the right, struck a guard rail and overturned” after experiencing a tire blowout.
The crash tragically resulted in the death of a student. Still, the Chester County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the name, leaving multiple others fighting for their lives in area hospitals.
The substantial Emergency response raises questions about whether rural communities have adequate resources for mass casualty incidents.
First responders deployed five medical helicopters to transport the most severely injured victims.
Approximately 35 students and four adults were taken for medical evaluation, with five individuals reported in critical condition.
Two other buses from the same field trip were not involved in the accident, sparing dozens more children from potential harm.
Parents endured terrifying moments as news of the crash spread. One mother described the heart-stopping moment she learned about the accident.
“The text messages said, ‘Hey, the bus flipped over, but I’m okay,'” Porterfield recounted.
While her child survived, other families were not as fortunate. The community now faces the devastating task of mourning a young life cut short while supporting those recovering from serious injuries.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster reflected on the incident:
“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.”
The incident raises serious concerns about maintenance standards for vehicles entrusted with the children’s lives.
Despite being a relatively new 2021 model, the bus experienced a catastrophic tire failure that ultimately claimed a child’s life.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s investigation must determine whether proper inspection protocols were followed and if this tragedy could have been prevented through more rigorous maintenance requirements.
American families deserve to know that school transportation meets the highest safety standards.
Chester County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Hunter Pringle provided limited information in the immediate aftermath:
“I can confirm there were multiple injuries, but I do not know the specifics regarding those injuries.”
This cautious approach to information sharing has left many parents and community members demanding more transparency about the incident.
Though schools are currently on spring break, Pine Ridge Middle School will make counselors available to help students process this traumatic event when classes resume.
A community vigil held at Pine Ridge Middle School provided a solemn space for students, parents, and neighbors to come together in prayer and support.
As the investigation continues, many are questioning whether current school transportation safety regulations are sufficient to protect America’s children.
One person is dead after a school bus carrying 35 students overturned on Interstate 77 in South Carolina, according to the state Highway Patrol. | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/PHoQFe9k0Z
— WISN 12 NEWS (@WISN12News) April 18, 2025
