Latest news with #PineRidgeMiddleSchool
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Documents shed light on Chester County school bus crash that killed 13-year-old
CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — More than 200 pages of records, including a handwritten letter from the school bus driver, have been released to Queen City News as part of a public records request in the ongoing investigation of a deadly Chester County crash. The crash happened on April 17, when three school buses were bringing students from Pine Ridge Middle School in West Columbia back from a field trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Parent whose son was on field trip with fatal I-77 bus crash describes learning of the terrifying moments A tire blew out on of the buses on I-77 South in Chester County, causing it veer into a guardrail, and flip onto its side. Jose Maria Gonzalez-Linares, 13, a beloved eighth-grader known for his musical talents and warm smile, was killed. Dozens of others were injured, but all have since been released from hospitals. Among the newly released documents is a handwritten letter by the bus driver recounting what happened. 'On April 17, 2025, approximately 6:20 a.m., I performed a routine pre-trip inspection on District Bus 12 (D-12),' the driver wrote. 'All tires were checked and concluded to be safe for travel.' He explained that the buses made the trip to Charlotte and began heading back. 'Somewhere southbound near mile marker 55, I recall passing a semi-truck… I recall hearing a 'Boom' which appeared to come from the front passenger side,' he shared. 'The bus became difficult to steer, and I made contact with a guardrail. This impact caused the bus to flip and land onto its right/passenger side.' The documents, obtained by Queen City News, include repair records, bus purchase orders, inspection reports, and an itinerary of the field trip. Some highlights include: Notes a tire or tire component repair roughly two weeks before the crash Bus purchase and inspection histories, with previous inspections showing no issues or need for repairs References a 2024 safety recall affecting buses from model years 2015–2025. It's unclear if the bus involved in the crash was part of this recall Indicates a towing service was called for a crash on I-26 in Clinton, S.C. It's unclear if it's related Lists the detailed itinerary of the field trip Displays the bus driver's written account Officials have not confirmed whether all the documents directly pertain to the bus involved in the crash. Queen City News has reached out to the Lexington County School District for clarification. The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Lexington Co. residents reacts to I-77 bus crash and student death
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) — A school bus crash on I-77 in Chester County killed a 13-year-old boy and left several others injured on Thursday. Community members are still trying to grasp what happened. According to officials, the bus crash occurred after tire blowout took place while the Pine Ridge Middle School bus was taking students on a field trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The blown tire caused the school bus to veer off the highway near Exit 55, hit a guardrail, and overturn. The bus was carrying 35 students at three adults at the time of the crash. The death of Jose Maria Gonzales Linares has impacted many people in the area. 'It's hard to hear. It's hard to think about. It's unexplainable,' said DeeAnn Watts, who lives just a mile from Pine Ridge. Watts said her best friend is a teacher who once taught Linares. After she heard about the fatal crash, she said she called her friend. For Watts, she is just trying to be present for her friend and the community. '[Just] trying to see what we can do to help them, and, they're never going to be the same again,' said Watts. 'Those teachers are never going to be the same. The kids that were behind the bus, that they're never going to be the same.' Watts said she wants families and kids to know that they are on everyone's hearts and minds. 'I can't tell those people how much we're praying for them,' she continued. 'They're constantly on our hearts and our minds, and that even on this Good Friday, we don't know god's plan, but there is one.' Governor Henry McMaster shared a statement urging the state to pray for the family and those injured. He said 'all of South Carolina is with you.' The school was open Friday for families and staff to speak with counselors. Support will be available when students return to school after spring break. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
‘Children trapped' on flipped school bus in South Carolina
Children as young as 11 may be trapped inside a school bus after it crashed on a main road in South Carolina. The bus, carrying pupils from Pine Ridge Middle School in Lexington County, rolled over on Thursday afternoon after a tyre blew on I-77 in Chester County. As many as 35 students were on the bus, as well as two adults, Fox 57 reported. Local media reported 18 people had been hospitalised. Some children were trapped inside the bus, which had been travelling back from a school trip, according to WCNC. Video and pictures from the scene show a large police and ambulance presence. The top speed on the I-77 is 70mph. More to follow. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
