GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Multiple people were hurt when a charter bus ran off Interstate 85 in Gaston County and crashed into the woods on Friday, officials confirmed.
The crash happened along northbound I-85 near Exit 19 for Ozark Avenue around 9:30 a.m. Two charter buses carrying about 85 middle school students and 21 chaperones from South Carolina were going to Carowinds when one of the buses ran off the road and crashed, Gastonia Police said.
The first bus slowed down due to heavy traffic on the interstate and the second bus was unable to slow down in time, according to police. This led to the second bus rear-ending the first, with the driver losing control and running off the road into the woods.
Alan Clark lives in Gastonia and shared his reaction with WCNC Charlotte when he first witnessed the scene.
“Seeing what's going on that's pretty scary thing and then think that the kids in the staff that's involved that's that's pretty scary to think about," Clark said.
The students were from Gettys Middle School in Easley, South Carolina. The School District of Pickens County said one of the charter buses crashed into the second bus.
"We are relieved that there were no serious injuries and we are thankful for the prompt response of the Gaston County Emergency Services and law enforcement," the school district said.
The driver of the bus that crashed into the woods was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Seven students also went to the hospital with minor injuries that were "mostly bumps and bruises," police said. A Gastonia Police spokesperson said first responders assisted the other students off the bus using emergency exits.
Clark was thankful the injuries were minor.
"To all the families and everybody out my best wishes and thoughts and prayers to you," he said.
The driver who was taken to the hospital was cited for failure to reduce speed, according to police.
A video posted by the Gastonia Police Department showed a large group of people standing beside the highway with first responders. It's unclear if anyone was still on the bus at the time.
One lane of I-85 was closed with traffic backed up for miles while crews worked to clear the scene. The road is now open.
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