LEXINGTON, S.C. — The Lexington Police Department and South Carolina Highway Patrol are investigating an early morning accident that left a motorcyclist dead on Industrial Drive in Lexington County. That accident also involved two other vehicles, including a school bus.
“It’s something you never want to see again, trust me,” Marty Douglas said. Douglas, an employee at Mobility Works was one of the first people on the scene.
“An explosion. I heard a 'bam' when he hit the motorcycle. Of course, the rider went into the bus, the motorcycle went 40 ft. down the road, that’s how hard he hit him,” Douglas said.
According to Lexington Police, the accident occurred around 7 am Monday, involving a Lexington District one school bus, a motorcycle and a van.
Investigators say the motorcycle was stopped behind the school bus, when it was hit from behind by a van, pinning the motorcyclist between the van and bus. The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Jon Douglas Ratcliff, who died at the scene.
Seven students were on the bus at the time. One student on the school bus was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The bus was servicing students who attend Pleasant Hill Middle and Lexington High School.
The Lexington Police Department says the driver of the van was also transported to a local hospital with injuries.
The driver of the van was charged with driving without a license with additional charges pending.