Surveillance video captured the moment a tanker truck slammed into a school bus in rural South Carolina and sent 17 children to the hospital.
The video from a local business showed a bus stop at an intersection at about 4 p.m. on Thursday before rolling into the way of a tanker truck that barrels right into the back of the bus, which is briefly lifted off of the ground from the impact.
The school bus was carrying dozens of students from Gilbert Middle School and High School when the crash occurred.
The video shows several bystanders rush out of the business to help the students.
“The first thought was just to run over there and make sure everyone was okay,” said Austin Maroney, one of the employees of the business.
Seventeen of the children and one adult were transported to the Lexington Medical Center. On Friday, WLXT-TV reported that all the students had been treated and released.
“Our hearts go out to the students and their families and everyone involved,” said Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait in a statement. “Today, school administrators and counselors continue to check on the students. Additional school counselors were on standby if needed.”
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, and the district said it was cooperating fully while also conducting its own investigation.
The district also said the bus driver would remain on administrative leave while the investigation continued.
WIS-TV reported that the school district is struggling with a shortage of school bus drivers.
Law enforcement authorities say charges may be filed based on the results of the investigation.
Here’s the video of the shocking accident:
Video shows bus and tanker truck collide in Lexington Countywww.youtube.com
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