School bus driver on leave after crash sent 17 students to hospital, Lexington 1 says
Multiple students were taken to an area hospital after a school bus crash Thursday afternoon. By Friday, all of the students had been released.
Lexington Medical Center confirmed that all patients transported from the crash scene near Gilbert had been released as of 9 a.m. Friday. All patients arrived at the hospital in stable condition after a truck reportedly collided with a Lexington 1 school bus carrying students after school, hospital spokeswoman Jennifer Wilson said.
At the time of the crash, 43 students and one driver were on the bus, Lexington 1 spokeswoman Libby Roof said.
The school district confirmed Thursday afternoon that nine students and a driver were transported from the scene by EMS. Overall, 17 students and the bus driver were treated at the hospital, Roof said.
“Our hearts go out to the students and their families and everyone involved. We are truly grateful that those seen at the hospital have all been released,” Dr. Gerrita Postlewait, Lexington 1 superintendent, said in a news release.
The school bus taking students from Gilbert Middle and Gilbert High was involved in a collision at A.C. Bouknight Road and Pond Branch Road, according to Roof. That’s near Interstate 20, south of Gilbert.
Lexington 1 officials are assisting the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s investigation of the crash, and the school district’s human resources and transportation personnel are also conducting an investigation, according to Roof. The driver of the bus will remain on administrative leave pending the outcomes of the investigations.
“The results of the investigations will be fully reviewed by district administrators and transportation officials,” said Postlewait.
South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said her office is awaiting the results on the investigation.
“The Department of Education is currently working with law enforcement to investigate this incident and will take swift, appropriate action as details become available,” Weaver said in a news release.
WIS reported that the intersection of A.C. Bouknight Road and Pond Branch Road was shut down Thursday evening. By 7:20 p.m., the crash site had been cleared.
The State has reached out to law enforcement and fire service for more information.
“We want to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the first responders and Lexington Medical Center’s medical personnel for the care, concern and assistance provided yesterday,” Postlewait said. “Their efforts helped ensure the safety and well-being of our students.”
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This story was originally published May 25, 2023 at 7:16 PM.
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