Minor injuries reported after Caswell school activity bus runs off road near Hillsborough

The Caswell County Schools bus was returning home after a field trip to Hillside High School at the time of the incident, according to troopers with the State Highway Patrol. Nine students with special needs and four adults were on board.

A total of 13 people were taken to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for treatment of minor injuries, according to a doctor who was treating patients. Three people had cuts and scrapes on their faces.

Doctors at UNC said they instituted their "mass casualty incident protocol."

"As caregivers, we are relieved that there weren't more serious injuries that we've seen," said Dr. Daryhl L. Johnson II. "Still, an injury is an injury."

Authorities said the bus was heading north on Efland-Cedar Grove Road, near Highland Farm Road, when the driver went off the right side of the road, overcorrected, then traveled off the left side of the roadway striking a ditch.

Although the bus was initially reported to have rolled over, authorities later said the bus tipped to one side but never overturned. It came to rest in the ditch.

As of Friday evening, 11 people involved in the wreck remained at UNC Hospitals. Nine people were in good condition and two people were in fair condition.

The intersection reopened at about 2:30 p.m.

"She told me she bumped her head and her hand was really hurting. She's very sore, but she's doing well. All things considered we're grateful," said Brian Smith, a teacher's husband.

Smith said the many teachers and administrators came to Chapel Hill to visit teachers and students.