News Summary
A tragic school bus crash in Chester County resulted in the death of a 13-year-old student and injured others. Investigation records reveal ongoing mechanical issues with the bus, raising concerns about safety in student transportation. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the incident as the community mourns the loss.
Lexington, South Carolina – Fatal School Bus Crash in Chester County
A school bus from Lexington County School District 2 was involved in a tragic crash on April 17, resulting in the death of thirteen-year-old Jose Maria Gonzales Linares. The incident occurred on Interstate 77 in Chester County while the bus was returning from a field trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. At the time of the incident, the bus was carrying a total of three adults and 35 students.
The crash not only claimed the life of one student but also left several other individuals injured. In the aftermath of the incident, the South Carolina Highway Patrol has initiated an investigation, although details regarding contributing factors have yet to be released.
History of Tire Issues
Investigation records obtained reveal that the bus had a documented history of tire-related problems. This specific bus was previously involved in another crash in June 2023, attributed to a blown front tire while transporting a football team. Just weeks prior, on April 3, 2025, the bus experienced a blowout caused by a metal rod embedded in the sidewall of a rear tire. These incidents indicate ongoing mechanical difficulties that were apparently not resolved despite multiple repairs.
Records indicate there are over 200 pages of inspection and repair documentation associated with the bus. Among these documents is a handwritten letter from the driver, dated April 21, 2025, which detailed a pre-trip inspection that labeled the bus as safe for operation at that time. Nevertheless, the driver reported hearing a “boom” sound from the front-passenger side while driving, followed by difficulties with steering control.
Circumstances of the Crash
Following the driver’s report, the bus collided with a guard rail and flipped onto its passenger side. The incident has drawn attention not only for its tragic outcome but also for the mechanical breakdowns that preceded it.
Repair History and Inspections
Since its purchase for $116,000 in March 2020, the bus has undergone various repairs totaling at least $81,000. Even though it passed annual inspections, the records indicate that the bus frequently was under repair, which raises questions regarding its operational status leading up to the fatal crash.
Specific findings from the inspection records suggest that despite passing inspections, the bus had persistent mechanical issues that were not adequately addressed. This has led to concerns regarding vehicle safety protocols and the effectiveness of monitoring mechanical reliability in school transportation.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials from Lexington County School District 2 have stated that they will not make further comments regarding the incident as the investigation is still ongoing. The findings from the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s inquiry are expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding this devastating crash.
As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the implications for student transportation safety in the district.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Lexington County School Bus Crash Records
- Wikipedia: School Bus
- The State: School Bus Accident Details
- Google Search: South Carolina School Bus Accident
- WCNC: Maintenance Records and Bus Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bus
- WACH: Students Hospitalized After Bus Crash
- Google News: Bus Safety Mechanical Issues
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
