Wilson high school choir, band involved in serious bus crash

A bus carrying students and chaperones from the school's band and choir was involved in the crash, which occurred near Walterboro, South Carolina, according to a Facebook post on the school's choir page. No serious injuries were reported in the crash, but many of the riders suffered cuts and bruises.

Authorities said the bus was driving on Interstate 95 when it left the roadway, entered the median and drove through a cable barrier before crossing the southbound lane and landing at the bottom of an embankment.

"The driver of the first bus said he saw the bus behind them go off into the median and it went through the cable barrier, crossed into the southbound lane and almost collided with a southbound tractor-trailer," Chief Barry Mcroy said.

Witnesses at the scene said the bus nearly collided with a tractor-trailer traveling south and the truck driver stopped to open the bus door to help occupants escape the bus.

"He went down that embankment and he was able to help them pry open the side door of the bus so students could get off," McRoy said.

On Sunday, students and chaperones were headed safely for Wilson on a new bus. About 25 percent of the riders remained in South Carolina to be treated at Colleton Medical Center for minor injuries. Members of that group returned to Wilson Sunday afternoon.

"They were pretty calm, probably some of the most well-behaved teenagers I have ever met and I mean they were great to deal with. They did everything you asked them to do," McRoy said.

Authorities said 17 people, including five students, were hurt as a result of the crash. The only person who did not return to Wilson was the bus driver, who remained hospitalized Sunday night, according to authorities.

"We are so thankful that everyone is home safe and are grateful for the kindness shown by strangers, first-responders and medical staff after the accident," said Wilson County Schools spokeswoman Amber Lynch.

In the post, the chorus and band groups thanked the hospital and the truck driver for taking care of them. "More than anything, we all thank the Lord above for watching over us last night," the post read. "Knowing how bad it could have been, we were protected."

On Saturday, the choir group posted a photo after their Florida performance.