Charter Bus Crash on Interstate 85 in Gastonia
April 26, 2024
Gastonia, NC. – The Gastonia Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating a crash between two charter busses on Interstate 85 at 9:42 this morning. First responders arrived within 3 minutes. The busses were transporting approximately 85 students and school personnel from Richard H. Gettys Middle School in Easley, South Carolina to Carowinds for a band field trip.
Due to heavy traffic on the interstate, the first bus applied the brakes. The other bus driver could not stop her bus fast enough and rear-ended the bus in front. As a result of the collision, the second bus veered off the interstate and into the woods. The main door to the bus that went off the roadway was not accessible, so first responders used ladders to reach the emergency exit windows and get passengers out safely.
The driver of that bus was transported to the hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries and was cited for failure to reduce speed.
7 children were transported to the hospital with minor injuries, mostly bumps and bruises.
The remaining children and school personnel waited at the Bradley Community Center where the city of Gastonia treated them to a pizza lunch.
The Gastonia Police Department wishes to thank the Gastonia Fire Department, Gaston Emergency Medical Services, Gastonia Parks and Recreation, Gastonia Transit, the Gaston County Schools, Gastonia Public Works, the Gastonia Sheriff’s Office, and Gaston County Emergency Management for the assistance they all provided.
The incident remains under investigation.
Media Contact:
Bill McGinty
Public Information/Media Relations
Gastonia Police Department
Cell: 704-419-0266
