Fatal School Bus Accident Kills One, Injures Several — Details

What was meant to be a normal return home from a school trip turned tragic when a bus rolled over in Chester County. The bus was the only vehicle involved in the accident.

A harrowing scene unfolded on Interstate 77 (I-77) in South Carolina when a school bus carrying middle schoolers blew a tire and overturned—landing on top of a guardrail—resulting in at least one death and several injuries.

The vehicle was returning students from a field trip outside Charlotte, NC. Officials say that of those injured, five are in critical condition. The bus was carrying about 35 students from Pine Ridge Middle School along with two adults.

First responders swarmed the area, hurrying to treat the injured, some of whom were rushed to local hospitals via medevac choppers.

Two additional buses, also carrying students, followed behind, but maneuvered to a truck stop in Fairfield County to avoid the accident. The occupants of those buses were then reunited with their families.

Following the crash, the school released an official statement, writing, "We are grateful for the support of our EMS, first responder, and law enforcement partners, both those based here locally and those up the road at the affected Interstate 77 sites."

South Carolina Governer Henry McMaster also released a statement. "Today's school bus accident in Chester County is a tragedy no family should ever have to endure," he said.

He urged the public to join him in praying for the deceased victim and their family, for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries, and for the community of Lexington Two. "All of South Carolina is with you," he concluded.

As of the first reports, I-77 has been blocked for miles and traffic is being rerouted to detours to get around the closure. An investigation is currently underway.