Gettys students injured in field trip bus crash

EASLEY — School district of Pickens County students on their way to Carowinds for a school field trip were injured when their chartered busses collided on I-85 northbound in Gastonia, N.C.

According to SDPC spokesperson Darian Byrd, on April 26, two charter buses carrying Gettys Middle School students were en route to North Carolina when they were involved in an accident around 9:45 a.m.

Gastonia Police said the first bus was rear-ended by the second, causing the second bus to veer off the highway and crash into trees.

There were 85 students and 21 chaperones on the buses, according to the district.

According to reports, some students had to exit the bus through windows following the crash.

Emergency medical teams as well as Gastonia Police arrived on scene and assisted individuals as needed, officials said. After assessing all the individuals, five students and one driver were transported for further medical attention or to be assessed for minor injuries.

Parents and guardians of students involved in the accident were all notified, Byrd said. All students and chaperones arrived back in Pickens County around 3:30 p.m., in time for regular dismissal.

“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,” said Byrd.