LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — All of the students involved in Lexington County school bus crash Thursday afternoon have been treated and released from the hospital. And a video from that incident shows just how much worse that crash could have been.
The crash happened around 4 p.m. on Pond Branch Road near Gilbert, which is just off Interstate 20 near mile marker 44. The bus was carrying 36 students from both Gilbert Middle School and Gilbert High School Student.
The accident was caught on a security camera of a nearby business and News19 obtained that video Thursday evening. However, out of respect for the families of the students, we decided to hold the video until we were sure of the conditions of the children involved.
According to troopers, the tanker truck was on Pond Branch Road and the bus was on A.C. Bouknight and the two vehicles collided in the intersection.
The video shows the tanker truck impact the rear side of the school bus, which causes one side of the bus to briefly lift off the ground.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision. So far it's unclear if any charges will be filed.
Lexington School District One said the driver of the bus is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Our hearts go out to the students and their families and everyone involved," said Lexington One Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postelwait. "We are truly grateful that those seen at the hospital have all been released. Today, school administrators and counselors continue to check on the students. Additional school counselors were on standby if needed.”
Some employees of a nearby business immediately ran out to help the children on the bus.
"The first thought was just to run over there and make sure everyone was okay," said Austin Maroney, a witness and an employee.
Lexington Medical Center spokesperson Jennifer Wilson said 17 children were taken to the hospital. All children were in stable condition and were evaluated, treated and released.