A tragic accident occurred on a South Carolina highway when a school bus carrying middle school students from a field trip suffered a tire blowout, causing it to crash and flip over. The incident, which took place on Thursday, resulted in the death of a 13-year-old boy and injuries to two other students.
The bus, which was transporting approximately 35 children and three adults, veered into a guardrail after the tire blowout and subsequently flipped onto its side on an interstate in Lexington County. Local news outlets reported the information, but no direct quotes were used in this article.
The deceased student was identified as Jose Maria Gonzales Linares, an 8th grader at Pine Ridge Middle School in West Columbia. The county coroner confirmed his death following the accident.
In addition to the fatality, eleven individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. Among them, five were reported to be in critical condition. The condition of the remaining students and adults on the bus at the time of the accident has not been disclosed.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their grief and concern for the victims and their families. The school district has not yet released a statement regarding the accident.
Investigations into the cause of the tire blowout and subsequent crash are ongoing. Authorities are working to determine whether any preventative measures could have been taken to avoid the tragic incident.
The accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety, particularly for vehicles transporting children. It underscores the need for regular inspections and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all passengers.