A devastating school bus crash in Chester County, South Carolina, has left a community grieving and searching for answers. On Thursday, April 17, 2025, just before 2 p.m., a bus carrying students from Pine Ridge Middle School overturned on Interstate 77, killing one student and injuring several others.
According to officials, the tragic incident occurred on the southbound side of I-77 near Exit 55, approximately 40 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina. The bus was one of three transporting students back from a school field trip in Charlotte. A tire blowout caused the driver of one of the buses to lose control, leading to a rollover crash that triggered a massive emergency response.
Victim Identified as 13-Year-Old Student
Authorities later confirmed that 13-year-old Jose Maria Gonzales Linares, an eighth-grade student at Pine Ridge Middle School, was killed in the crash. The Chester County Coroner’s Office officially identified the young victim on Friday. Jose’s passing has deeply shaken the Pine Ridge Middle School community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support.
In addition to Jose’s death, five individuals were reported in critical condition and transported to local hospitals. Officials have not yet clarified whether these patients were students or adults accompanying the trip. However, by Saturday, April 19, school officials confirmed that all injured individuals had been released from the hospital, bringing some relief in the aftermath of the heartbreaking event.
Emergency Response and Scene Details
The seriousness of the accident prompted a swift and large-scale emergency response. Multiple helicopters, including one from Atrium Health, were dispatched to the crash site to transport the most critically injured. Emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement agencies, and school district personnel all arrived at the scene to provide assistance and assess the situation.
Traffic along I-77 was severely impacted, with miles-long backups as crews worked to manage the wreckage and ensure the safety of all involved. The South Carolina Department of Transportation advised motorists to avoid the area as emergency responders continued their work.
Lexington School District Two, which oversees Pine Ridge Middle School, quickly issued a public statement providing key information and reassurance to concerned families. The statement confirmed that the bus involved was carrying two adults and approximately 35 students. The other two buses traveling in the group were not involved in the crash and returned safely.
Family Reunification and Support Services
To assist parents and guardians, a reunification site was set up off Exit 48 on I-77, where families could be reunited with their children. District and school officials were present to help facilitate the process, offering support and coordination as families navigated the traumatic experience.
Superintendent Brenda Hafner of Lexington District Two expressed her condolences and emphasized the district’s commitment to supporting affected families and students.
“Our focus since this devastating event has been, and will continue to be, our students, families, employees, and the entire Pine Ridge Middle School community,” Hafner said. “Our heart aches for the family of the student who is no longer with us. We are thankful to know others who were being evaluated and treated have now been released.”
State and Industry Response
The emotional impact of the tragedy reached beyond the local community. South Carolina State Superintendent Ellen Weaver issued a heartfelt statement in the aftermath, expressing solidarity and mourning with the families involved.
“Our hearts are broken by the tragic bus accident in Chester County this afternoon,” Weaver said. “Our entire state is mourning alongside the Pine Ridge Middle School families, friends, classmates, and educators. Please join me in praying for the Lexington Two community.”
On Friday, Blue Bird Corporation, the manufacturer of the school bus involved in the crash, also released a public statement. The company extended its sympathies and committed to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
“Although school buses are demonstrated to be the safest vehicles on the road today, any time an accident occurs, it is a terrible loss,” the company’s statement read. “We remain committed to manufacturing and delivering safe transportation to all students on board our products. Our deepest sympathies are with the family and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Investigation and Moving Forward
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Early indications point to a tire blowout as the primary cause. It remains unclear whether any mechanical faults or maintenance issues contributed to the failure.
As families, school officials, and investigators seek answers, the community has rallied to offer support. Grief counselors and crisis teams have been made available to students and staff at Pine Ridge Middle School, helping them process the traumatic event and begin the healing journey.
The school district has also promised transparency as more information becomes available, keeping parents and the public informed throughout the investigation.
Remembering Jose Maria Gonzales Linares
At the heart of this tragedy is the loss of a young life full of promise. Jose Maria Gonzales Linares is being remembered as a kind, bright, and spirited student whose presence brought joy to those around him. Friends, classmates, and teachers have begun to honor his memory with messages of love and remembrance, with plans for a school memorial already underway.
Vigils and community gatherings are being organized to support Jose’s family and show unity in the face of such sorrow. The school’s counseling teams continue to provide resources for those in mourning, ensuring that no one navigates this difficult time alone.
A Community United in Grief and Support
This tragic event has underscored the fragility of life and the strength of community. From emergency responders and healthcare workers to educators and parents, everyone has played a role in helping the Pine Ridge Middle School community navigate this crisis.
While the road to healing will be long, the unity, compassion, and resilience displayed over the past few days offer a glimmer of hope. Through collective mourning, shared support, and a deep commitment to safety and care, the community moves forward — forever holding Jose’s memory in their hearts.