Leland Crash Leaves Dozens Injured in Bus Overturn
A school bus loaded with members of the Douglas Byrd High School football team careened off the northbound U.S. 17 exit onto westbound U.S. 74 in Leland, North Carolina, early Tuesday evening. The vehicle overturned after the driver allegedly exceeded the posted speed limit while navigating the ramp.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, extracting 33 occupants — 26 students and seven adults — from the twisted metal. Four individuals, including two students and two adults, were transported to local hospitals with non‑life‑threatening injuries.
All of the students and most of the staff were released after treatment, but one adult staff member remained under medical observation as a precaution, officials said.
Cumberland County Schools confirmed that the bus was part of a routine post‑game transportation schedule and that the team had just completed a matchup at South Brunswick High School.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has opened a reckless driving investigation, and charges have been filed against the driver, Annette Blount. Authorities are reviewing dash‑cam footage and witness statements as the inquiry proceeds.