A school bus carrying members of the Douglas Byrd High School football team was traveling along U.S. Route 17 toward an exit ramp when it left the roadway and overturned.
The crash occurred on the northbound U.S. 17 to westbound U.S. 74 interchange in Leland, North Carolina, a location commonly used by commuters and school transportation.
Driver Charged With Reckless Driving
Investigators concluded that the bus was traveling above the posted speed limit as it negotiated the curve, leading to charges of reckless driving and exceeding a safe speed against the driver, Annette Blount, 57.
The vehicle was transporting 33 occupants, including 26 students and seven adults, many of whom were returning from a football matchup against South Brunswick High School.
Four people — two students and two adults — were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non‑life‑threatening. All students and staff were later released, though one staff member remained under medical observation as a precaution.
The Leland Police Department and Cumberland County Schools have coordinated the response, and the investigation into the crash remains ongoing as authorities examine additional factors that may have contributed to the loss of control.