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A tragic accident on Interstate 77 South in Chester County claimed the life of a 13-year-old student Thursday afternoon, according to WSOC-TV. The county coroner confirmed the victim as Jose Maria Gonzales Linares, an eighth grader at Pine Ridge Middle School located at 735 Pine Ridge Dr, West Columbia, SC 29172.
The crash happened just before 2 p.m. near Exit 55, where a tire on one of three buses returning from a field trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame blew out. The bus struck a guardrail and overturned, causing all southbound lanes to be blocked.
Emergency crews transported 38 individuals to multiple hospitals, with some patients airlifted by helicopter. At least five students were seriously injured. The other two buses carrying students managed to avoid the crash but still took some passengers for medical evaluation. Five medical helicopters were deployed to assist at the scene.
A prayer vigil was held at Pine Ridge Middle School the following day, with counselors made available to support students. One parent shared receiving a text message from her son during the accident that read, “Hey, the bus flipped over, but I’m okay.” Another student, who was on a different bus, described the terrifying moment when the overturned bus was visible and the fear among classmates.
Law enforcement confirmed multiple injuries but did not provide detailed information about them. South Carolina’s governor expressed sorrow over the tragedy and called on the community to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts. The highway patrol is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The tragic school bus accident on Interstate 77 South has left families grieving and seeking answers. Experienced South Carolina bus accident attorney James Moore outlines the legal pathways available to victims injured or bereaved in such incidents, explaining how negligence claims can address medical costs, emotional trauma, and systemic failures behind such collisions.
Editor Darla Medina: This tragedy raises urgent questions about accountability. What legal options exist for families affected by school bus accidents?
Attorney James Moore: Families can pursue civil claims against multiple parties, including the school district, bus operator, maintenance providers, or manufacturers. However, if negligence involves third parties—like a tire manufacturer or another driver—families may seek additional compensation through separate lawsuits.
Medina: How do you prove negligence in cases like this, where a blown tire caused the crash?
Moore: Evidence is key. Maintenance records, driver logs, and accident reconstruction can determine if poor upkeep, driver error, or defective parts contributed. For example, if the tire had known defects or wasn’t replaced per safety guidelines, liability could extend beyond the driver. Witness statements, like those from students, also help establish the sequence of events.
Medina: What challenges arise when suing a school district?
Moore: Strict deadlines apply. Victims must file within a given timeframe. Government cases require proving the district failed its duty—like hiring untrained drivers or ignoring maintenance. Unlike private suits, damages are capped, so we often pursue concurrent claims against contractors or manufacturers to maximize recovery.
Medina: What compensation can families seek?
Moore: Medical bills, future care costs, emotional distress, and lost wages for parents assisting recovery. In wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship apply. Punitive damages are rare against government entities but possible if a third party’s reckless conduct—like a manufacturer hiding defects—is proven.
Medina: Final advice for families navigating this process?
Moore: Document everything—medical reports, communications with the district, and expenses. Consult an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and meet deadlines. Most importantly, know that accountability exists, even when systems fail.
Families impacted by school bus accidents face immense emotional and financial burdens, but you are not powerless. Document all medical records, expenses, and communications related to the incident. Consult a qualified attorney promptly to ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved. Legal action can secure compensation for medical bills, emotional suffering, and accountability from those responsible. While no outcome can undo this tragedy, holding negligent parties answerable helps prevent future harm and honors the lives affected. Act swiftly—your rights and recovery depend on it.
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