Students Taken to Hospital After Lee County School Bus Collides With Gas Tanker

BISHOPVILLE, S.C. — Nine students were taken to the hospital after a Lee County school bus collided with a gas tanker truck Thursday afternoon near a gas station on Highway 15. Authorities confirmed all injuries were minor, and students were reunited with their families later that day.

Crash Occurs in Front of Pilot Station

The accident happened just before 4 p.m. in front of the Pilot gas station in the 1300 block of Highway 15. According to Sheriff Daniel Simon, the bus was headed south on Highway 15 when it struck the rear of a tanker truck that was exiting the station.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that 33 students and a driver were aboard the bus. Trooper William Bennett said the tanker had just completed a fuel delivery and was empty at the time of impact, which likely helped prevent a more serious outcome. (WLTX)

Nine Sent to Hospital, Others Cleared On Scene

Authorities said nine individuals were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. All injuries were described as minor. The rest of the students were either picked up directly by parents or reunited at Lee Central High School and a nearby hospital in Hartsville.

Sheriff Simon reported that the road was temporarily closed but reopened to traffic by 4:55 p.m. Deputies assisted Highway Patrol with securing the scene and clearing the area.

Ongoing Investigation

As of Friday, the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident. No charges have been filed, and authorities have not yet released details about whether either driver may have been at fault.

Fortunately, the tanker was not carrying fuel at the time — a fact that officials say likely helped avert a more catastrophic situation.

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