A school bus carrying members of the Douglas Byrd High School football team overturned on an exit ramp from northbound U.S. 17 to westbound U.S. 74 in Leland, North Carolina. The vehicle left the roadway while negotiating a curve, striking a guardrail before coming to rest on its side.
Speeding Cited in Crash Investigation
State troopers determined that the driver was traveling above the posted speed limit at the time of the incident. The reckless driving charge reflects evidence that the bus failed to maintain a safe speed while navigating the ramp, a factor that investigators say contributed directly to the loss of control.
Thirty‑three individuals were on board, comprising 26 students and seven adults. Emergency responders transported four occupants — two students and two adults — to a nearby hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries. All other passengers were unharmed and released from medical care shortly after the crash.
Community Response and Ongoing Care
Cumberland County Schools confirmed that every student and staff member had been cleared from medical facilities, though one adult remained under observation as a precautionary measure. The district praised the swift actions of first responders and expressed gratitude that no fatalities occurred.
The investigation into the crash remains active, with authorities reviewing additional factors such as road conditions, vehicle maintenance and driver history. Officials have urged drivers to observe posted speed limits, especially when navigating highway exits and curves.