S.C. BISHOPVILLE.A Lee County school bus collided with a petroleum tanker truck Thursday afternoon close to a gas station on Highway 15, sending nine kids to the hospital. Later that day, students were reunited with their families after authorities established that all injuries were minor.
Crash Occurs in Front of Pilot Station
The collision occurred in front of the Pilot gas station in the 1300 block of Highway 15 shortly before 4 p.m. Sheriff Daniel Simon said the bus hit the back of a tanker truck leaving the station as it was traveling south on Highway 15.
33 children and a driver were confirmed to be on the bus by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. According to Trooper William Bennett, the tanker had just finished delivering fuel and was empty when it struck, which probably helped avert a more dire situation. (WLTX)
Nine Sent to Hospital, Others Cleared On Scene
According to authorities, nine people were taken to a nearby hospital for assessment. Every injury was characterized as minimal. The remaining pupils were reunited at Lee Central High School and a neighboring hospital in Hartsville, or they were picked up immediately by their parents.
The road was momentarily stopped, but at 4:55 p.m., it was open to traffic again, according to Sheriff Simon.Highway Patrol received assistance from deputies in clearing the area and securing the site.
Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is still looking into the event as of Friday. Authorities have not yet disclosed information regarding whether either driver may have been at fault, and no charges have been brought.
Thankfully, officials suggest that the tanker’s lack of fuel at the time probably prevented a more disastrous outcome.
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