WATCH: Video shows the moment Lexington County school bus and tanker crash

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - A video given to WIS News 10 by a local store owner shows the moment a Lexington County school bus and tanker crashed into each other.

The crash happened at the intersection of Pond Brand Road and A.C. Bouknight around 4 p.m. Thursday.

Lexington County School District One confirmed Bus 210, which carries Gilbert Middle and High school students, was involved in the crash.

The district released an update about the crash on Friday that confirmed 43 students and one driver were on the bus. Seventeen students, along with the bus driver, were seen at a hospital and all have since been released.

“Our hearts go out to the students and their families and everyone involved,” Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait said in a statement. “Today, school administrators and counselors continue to check on the students. Additional school counselors were on standby if needed.”

The district also said they are cooperating with the continuing investigation by South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) while also conducting their own investigation.

“The driver of the bus will remain on administrative leave pending the outcomes of the investigations,” the district stated.

The video shows the school bus stopping briefly before the stop sign, then driving into an intersection in front of a tanker truck. The tanker truck then collides into the side of the bus.

State law on stop signs reads in part:

“... every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways...”

Lexington One has struggled with a bus driver shortage in recent years.

The district is actively hiring bus drivers. The job requirements listed on its website reads in part:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid South Carolina bus driver certification
• Valid South Carolina commercial driver’s license
• Driving experience under the supervision of an experienced driver
• Excellent motor vehicle driving record

It also requires bus drivers to have knowledge of state laws pertaining to operating a school bus and to create a safe environment.

State Superintendent of Education Ellen E. Weaver also released a statement about the crash on Friday:

“A collision in Lexington One between a school bus and a large commercial motor vehicle occurred yesterday afternoon, resulting in the transportation of nine students and the bus driver to the hospital. My concern and prayers are with all the students on the bus and their families, especially those who sustained injuries. I’m deeply grateful to the General Assembly who has funded significant investment to upgrade the safety of our bus fleet: that investment saved lives. I’m also thankful to the citizens and first responders who rushed to the scene: they represent the very best of our community. The Department of Education is currently working with law enforcement to investigate this incident and will take swift, appropriate action as details become available.”

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

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