A normal school day turned into a nightmare for dozens of middle school students in South Carolina when their bus overturned on Interstate 77 Thursday afternoon. The terrifying accident, which happened as the bus was returning from a field trip, left multiple children injured and sparked a massive emergency response.
The bus, carrying 35 students and two adult chaperones from Pine Ridge Middle School, reportedly suffered a sudden tire blowout around 3 p.m. The vehicle swerved violently before flipping onto its side, coming to rest in the middle of the busy highway. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as passing drivers rushed to help while emergency crews raced to the scene.
First responders arrived quickly, deploying five medical helicopters, multiple ambulances, fire trucks, and police units. Rescuers worked urgently to free trapped students, using specialized tools to break windows and access emergency exits. Some children had to be carefully pulled from beneath seats and debris.
Hospital officials later confirmed that injured students were being treated for a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious fractures and head trauma. At least six children remained in stable but serious condition overnight, while the two adult chaperones were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The school district immediately set up a reunification center at a nearby civic hall, where tearful parents rushed to find their children. One mother, who had seen footage of the crash online, said through tears, “You never think something like this will happen on a simple field trip.”
Authorities confirmed the bus was operated by a contracted driver, who is cooperating fully with investigators. Early findings suggest the crash was caused by an unexpected tire failure, though a full mechanical inspection is underway.
Superintendent Dr. Linda Holmes called the incident “heartbreaking” but expressed relief that no lives were lost. Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has joined state officials in launching a full investigation, reviewing maintenance records, driver history, and tire manufacturing data.
Pine Ridge Middle School canceled classes Friday and will provide counseling for students, staff, and families affected by the traumatic event. As the community rallies around the injured children, officials praised the quick actions of first responders and bystanders, noting that their efforts likely prevented an even greater tragedy.
