News Summary
A devastating school bus accident in Chester County resulted in the death of an eighth grader and injuries to 35 others. The vehicle had a known history of tire issues, raising alarms about its maintenance and safety practices. Experts call for a comprehensive investigation into the bus’s mechanical history, particularly focusing on the condition of its tires. While the district remains silent due to an ongoing probe, the tragedy has heightened concerns over student transportation safety in the community.
Chester County, South Carolina – A tragic school bus accident on April 17, 2025, took the life of an eighth grader and raised serious concerns about the vehicle’s prior tire issues. Jose Maria Gonzalez-Linares was killed when the bus he was traveling in flipped over while returning students from Pine Ridge Middle School on a field trip along Interstate 77. The accident also resulted in injuries to 35 other students and four adults, who were treated at local hospitals.
Maintenance records revealed that the bus involved in the fatal crash had a documented history of tire problems in the two years prior. Notably, a severe incident occurred on June 15, 2023, when the bus experienced a tire blowout while transporting the Brookland-Cayce High School football team. This incident forced the bus into the median, colliding with a safety wire, yet no injuries were reported among the 27 passengers on board.
The June 2023 tire blowout resulted in approximately $47,000 worth of damage to the bus, which subsequently remained out of commission for a year while undergoing repairs. Before its return to service, the bus had another tire-related issue on April 3, 2025, just two weeks prior to the crash. This issue required assistance from a tire shop for repairs caused by damage from a metal rod, costing over $800.
Prior to the deadly accident, the driver of the bus, Leon Cureton, conducted a pre-trip inspection, confirming that all tires had been checked and deemed safe for travel. However, during the journey on April 17, Cureton reported hearing a “boom” from the front passenger side of the vehicle before losing control. The bus then collided with a guardrail and tipped over.
Experts suggest that the reported “boom” could indicate a tread separation issue, often resulting from manufacturing defects or the lack of proper maintenance. The school bus, a model manufactured in December 2019, had accumulated less than 21,000 miles as of December 2024. However, concerns have emerged regarding the potential decline of the tires’ condition due to age, as well as the absence of clear records on whether the front passenger tire had ever been replaced.
Furthermore, the bus had spent significant time undergoing repairs at various tire shops following the June 2023 incident. This raises questions about how effectively the tires were maintained when the bus was not in regular operation. In light of the prior incidents and the possibility of compromised tire integrity, experts emphasize the necessity of a thorough investigation into the bus crash, particularly examining the tire’s age and maintenance history.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, Lexington School District Two has chosen not to comment publicly, citing an ongoing investigation related to the April crash. As community members mourn the loss of Jose Maria Gonzalez-Linares, the implications of the bus’s mechanical history have led to heightened scrutiny over school transportation safety practices. Ensuring student safety during bus transport remains a paramount concern for parents and school officials alike.
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Additional Resources
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