Eleven individuals were injured when a bus carrying University of South Carolina students blew a tire and struck a concrete barrier in Mississippi. The incident took place while the bus was transporting members of the university’s Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and their guests to an event in New Orleans. The driver, Tina Wilson, and a student were critically injured and airlifted to hospitals, while the other nine individuals were transported by ambulance. The remaining students were escorted to a different location by a school bus and later made their way to New Orleans. The interstate was blocked for several hours following the crash.
Wilson, a 55-year-old driver from Roebuck, South Carolina, lost control of the bus when a tire blew out and it collided with a center concrete barrier on Interstate 10 near Bay St. Louis. The bus initially careened on two wheels before Wilson managed to regain control and bring it back down on all four wheels. Despite being ejected from the bus upon impact, Wilson displayed immense strength in attempting to steer the bus back on the road. A student named Paul Clune also assisted in keeping the bus under control until it came to a stop after skidding for nearly half a mile. Authorities praised Wilson and Clune for their quick thinking and action, noting that their actions likely prevented a more severe outcome.
The University of South Carolina has made travel arrangements for students who wish to return to Columbia after the accident. The university is also providing mental health and academic support for those affected by the crash. School officials are working to determine the status of those still hospitalized following the incident. The university is working in collaboration with law enforcement officials to investigate the cause of the crash. The bus involved in the accident was owned by Dixon Motor Xpress of Chester, South Carolina. The owner of the company, Todd Dixon, described the crash as a rare occurrence and emphasized the company’s commitment to safety.
Dixon Motor Xpress, established in 2019, had not experienced any prior accidents and maintained a satisfactory safety rating. The company had successfully passed inspections and reported no accidents in the two years leading up to the incident. Dixon praised Wilson for her years of experience as a driver and her quick thinking during the crash. Wilson’s instinctual response to the situation demonstrated her ability to navigate challenging circumstances effectively. The company remains dedicated to upholding the highest safety standards in its operations, recognizing the importance of transporting individuals safely and responsibly.
Authorities continue to investigate the specifics of the crash, looking into factors such as the condition of the bus and the cause of the blown tire. The focus is on ensuring that all safety protocols were followed and determining if there were any contributing factors that could have been prevented. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the university, and the bus company is crucial in determining the root cause of the accident and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The well-being of the students involved in the crash is a top priority for all parties involved, with support services being offered for those impacted.
