A 13-year-old boy has sadly died after a school bus had a blowout and overturned on its way back from a school trip.
The tragic incident happened at around 1.47pm local time on Thursday, April 17, when a school bus carrying around 35 students and three adults was returning from a field trip. Multiple passengers were trapped inside the bus as the vehicle overturned, door side down, no other vehicles or school buses were believed to be involved in the crash.
Multiple news outlets reported the number of people taken to the hospital ranged from 11 to over 30, with five in critical condition, according to PEOPLE.
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The bus was traveling southbound on I-77 in Lexington County when it “traveled off of the road to the right, struck a barrier and overturned,” said South Carolina Highway Patrol Sgt. Tyler Tidwell, reported ABC News. Multiple agencies, emergency responders and school personnel were on the scene, with medical teams assessing all the occupants on the buses, school officials said.
The Chester County Sheriff’s Office said the bus was among three Lexington County School District 2 buses traveling from the school trip but confirmed the other two buses were not affected. They also confirmed The South Carolina Highway Patrol will be investigating the collison.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said in a statement: “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 victim has been identified as Jose Marie Gonzales Linares, said Chester County Coroner Terry Tinker on Friday, April 18, reported CBS affiliate WLTX, CBS affiliate WBTV and The State .
Yesterday The Chester County Sheriff’s Office issued an update on their Facebok page which read: “The Chester County Sheriff’s Office would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of the victim in the tragic vehicle accident that occurred on Interstate I-77 today. Additionally, our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected, and we wish a quick recovery to everyone involved.
“We are also extremely grateful for the incredible support we received from across our county and neighboring counties. The efforts of countless individuals and agencies does not go unnoticed.”
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