A school bus accident in South Carolina left dozens of middle school students injured Thursday after the vehicle overturned on Interstate 77. The bus, carrying 35 students and two adults from Pine Ridge Middle School, was returning from a field trip when a tire blowout caused the driver to lose control.
The bus flipped onto its side, sparking a massive emergency response. Five medical helicopters, multiple ambulances, and fire crews rushed to the scene as rescuers worked to free trapped students. Some children had to be carefully extracted from beneath seats and debris.
Hospital officials confirmed that injured students were being treated for a range of injuries, including fractures and head trauma. At least six children remained in serious but stable condition overnight, while the adult chaperones were hospitalized with less critical injuries.
The school district quickly set up a reunification center, where frantic parents reunited with their children. One mother, who had seen the crash on the news, said, “I’ve never been so scared in my life.”
Authorities say the bus was operated by a contracted driver who is fully cooperating with investigators. Preliminary findings suggest a sudden tire failure caused the crash, though a full inspection is underway.
Superintendent Dr. Linda Holmes called the incident “every parent’s worst nightmare” but thanked first responders for their swift action. The National Transportation Safety Board has joined the investigation, reviewing maintenance logs and driver records.
Pine Ridge Middle School canceled classes Friday and will provide counseling for affected students and staff. As the community rallies around the injured, officials emphasize that the quick response of rescuers and bystanders helped prevent further harm.
