Tragic School Bus Accident Claims Life in Greenville County
Greenville County, S.C. – A morning commute turned fatal on Friday as a driver died in a serious head-on collision involving a school bus. The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. on Geer Highway, near Rock Quarry Road.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), the school bus was traveling eastbound on Geer Highway when it suddenly struck a flatbed tow truck that was stopped in traffic. Following the initial impact, the bus careened into the westbound lane and collided head-on with an SUV.
Details of the Incident
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased driver as Crystal A. Coggins, a 47-year-old resident of Greenville. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Emergency responders arrived promptly, and the drivers of both the school bus and the tow truck were transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Greenville County Schools confirmed that, at the time of the collision, four students from Travelers Rest High School were on board the bus. Fortunately, all four have been reported safe following the accident, providing some solace amid the tragedy.
Investigation and Responses
The SCHP has stated that the investigation into the crash is still ongoing. In a response to standard procedures, the school bus driver has been placed on administrative leave, as is customary following incidents of this nature.
This incident marks the third school bus-related crash reported in the Upstate this week. Earlier, two other crashes occurred; one on Wednesday in Oconee County and another on Thursday in Anderson County. In both of those incidents, the bus drivers were cited, indicating a concerning trend with school bus safety in the region.
Community Reaction
The community has expressed shock and sadness at the news of Coggins’ death. Local authorities and the school district are likely to face increased scrutiny regarding safety protocols for school buses, especially as accidents involving large vehicles can have devastating outcomes.
Officials have not yet released comprehensive details about the conditions leading to this recent crash, nor have they provided information regarding the health status of the bus and tow truck drivers involved.
As the families and the community grapple with this tragic loss, the focus will remain on understanding what went wrong and how similar accidents can be prevented in the future.
Looking Ahead
In light of the frequency of such incidents, it’s essential for transportation safety officials and the school district to review and reinforce safety measures for student transport. There is a pressing need for community discussions to address both the safety of school buses, as well as larger traffic issues on local highways.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more information is made available. The loss of life in such tragedies emphasizes the importance of vigilance on our roads, reminding everyone of the need to prioritize safety in every driving situation.
