Tragic South Carolina school bus crash leaves one dead, dozens injured after tire blowout on I-77

What happened in the South Carolina school bus crash on Interstate 77?

A tragic highway accident in South Carolina has left a school community grieving after a school bus carrying middle school students overturned on Interstate 77, resulting in the death of one student and injuries to over 20 others. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in Chester County when the bus, which was transporting students from Pine Ridge Middle School in Lexington County, suffered a tire blowout, veered off course, struck a guardrail, and flipped.

The crash happened near mile marker 55 in the Blackstock area, as the bus was returning from a field trip to the Charlotte area in North Carolina. Officials confirmed that 36 people were aboard the vehicle, including two adults and 34 students. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety has confirmed the death of one student and noted that 21 others were transported to area hospitals, with at least five of those victims listed in critical condition as of Thursday evening.

The severity of the incident triggered a large-scale emergency response. Five medical helicopters were dispatched to the crash site, and several ambulances were seen rushing victims to nearby trauma centers. Law enforcement quickly blocked off parts of I-77 to ensure the safety of rescue workers and to facilitate a swift medical evacuation.

Who were the students involved and where were they headed?

The students on board were from Pine Ridge Middle School, a public school located in Lexington County that serves grades 6 through 8. School officials stated that the students had been participating in an educational field trip just across the state border in Charlotte, North Carolina. Field trips are a common part of experiential learning in U.S. public schools, offering students exposure to real-world environments that complement classroom-based instruction.

According to the Lexington School District Two, counselors were immediately dispatched to the scene and are now being made available to students, staff, and families impacted by the tragedy. The district released a statement expressing deep sorrow and confirmed that school psychologists would be working with affected students in the coming days.

Pine Ridge Middle School serves a community that has had to grapple with transportation challenges in the past, including limited funding for vehicle upgrades and increasing demands for field trip supervision. However, the district has historically prioritized student safety, making this incident a profound shock to the community.

How did a tire blowout lead to the bus overturning?

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the preliminary investigation revealed that the 2021 Blue Bird school bus experienced a tire blowout while driving in the southbound lanes of I-77. The driver attempted to maintain control of the vehicle, but it veered toward the guardrail and flipped onto its side. Authorities have not released information about the speed of the bus at the time or whether the blowout was due to a mechanical failure or lack of maintenance.

Tire blowouts are one of the most dangerous mechanical failures a large vehicle can experience, especially at high speeds on major highways. When a front tire bursts, the steering system is often compromised, making it difficult to maintain directional control. For school buses, which are top-heavy and often lack seat belts, the risk of rollover in such situations increases dramatically.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) data shows that tire-related issues account for a significant portion of bus crashes in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires regular inspection of commercial passenger vehicles, including school buses, but enforcement at the state and district level varies significantly. Experts say that regular tire pressure checks, tread inspections, and timely replacement are essential to prevent such tragedies.

What is the history of school bus safety in the United States?

School buses remain statistically one of the safest forms of transportation in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), students are about 70 times more likely to arrive safely at school when traveling by school bus than by car. However, when accidents do occur, especially rollovers or side-impact crashes, the consequences can be catastrophic due to the lack of seat belts in many states.

South Carolina law does not require all school buses to be equipped with seat belts, although newer models often come with them. In recent years, there has been growing advocacy among parents, safety experts, and some lawmakers to mandate three-point seat belts on all school buses. Following Thursday’s accident, renewed calls for statewide safety audits and belt mandates are likely.

Historically, South Carolina has had a mixed track record when it comes to school transportation safety. The state replaced many of its aging buses in recent years after pressure from safety advocates, but questions remain about maintenance practices and fleet readiness.

What happens next in the investigation?

The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) has launched a full inquiry into the accident. This will include analysis of the tire remnants, vehicle maintenance records, driver statements, and any available surveillance or dashcam footage. Toxicology screenings and driver credentials will also be reviewed, though officials have not indicated that impairment played any role.

In parallel, the school district and the South Carolina Department of Education are expected to conduct internal reviews of the transportation protocols surrounding field trips, including vehicle assignment procedures, chaperone-to-student ratios, and communication with emergency services.

If mechanical failure is confirmed, additional scrutiny may fall on the manufacturer or service provider responsible for the bus’s maintenance. Blue Bird, one of the nation’s leading school bus manufacturers, has not released a statement as of Friday morning.

How are authorities and the community responding to the tragedy?

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster expressed condolences to the families of the victims, stating that “no parent should ever have to fear for their child’s safety on the way back from a school trip.” He has called for an expedited investigation and pledged state resources to support the recovery and counseling efforts.

Local law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and neighboring schools have rallied to provide support to Pine Ridge Middle School and the affected families. Several vigils and prayer meetings are being organized in Chester and Lexington counties, with residents contributing to crowdfunding campaigns for medical expenses and family support.

The psychological toll on the survivors—many of whom witnessed the incident firsthand—will likely require long-term trauma counseling. Pediatric trauma specialists from nearby hospitals have been deployed to assist the school district.

What are the broader implications for student transportation safety?

This incident reignites a national conversation around school bus safety, particularly regarding equipment standards, emergency preparedness, and vehicle inspection protocols. It also raises policy questions about the pace at which older buses are phased out and replaced with newer, safer models.

Experts are emphasizing the importance of not only upgrading bus fleets but also investing in driver training and student safety education. Emergency drills, proper loading practices, and seat belt use (where available) could all reduce risk in future incidents.

As investigations continue and families begin to heal, school districts across the country may find themselves reevaluating their transportation safety frameworks. The South Carolina crash is a tragic reminder that while the school bus remains a safe mode of transport, no system is foolproof without rigorous maintenance, oversight, and investment in safety technology.