A school bus transporting members of the Douglas Byrd High School football team careened off the northbound U.S. 17 exit ramp onto westbound U.S. 74 in Leland, North Carolina, early Tuesday morning, overturning onto its side as it negotiated a sharp curve.
Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling above the posted speed limit, and the driver, Annette Blount, 57, has been charged with reckless driving and exceeding a safe speed, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Four occupants — two students and two adults — were extracted from the wreckage and transported to a nearby medical center with non‑life‑threatening injuries; all were later released, though one staff member remained under observation for precautionary reasons.
Investigation Continues
Cumberland County Schools confirmed that the bus was returning from a scheduled matchup at South Brunswick High School and that the incident involved 33 passengers, including 26 students and seven adults, and that the district is cooperating fully with investigators.
State officials emphasized that such incidents underscore the importance of adhering to speed limits, especially when transporting student athletes, and they have pledged to review safety protocols for school transportation across the region.
Authorities have opened a formal investigation to determine how the speed violation occurred and whether any mechanical or operational factors contributed to the rollover, promising to release further details as the inquiry progresses.