On May 25, 2023, during an afternoon route, a school bus transporting students from Gilbert Middle and Gilbert High was involved in an accident at A.C. Bouknight Road and Pond Branch Road.
At the time of the accident, 43 students and one driver were on the bus. According to Lexington County School District One transportation officials, 17 students and the bus driver were seen at a hospital. After responding to the site of the accident, district and school administrators went to the hospital to check on the students and their families. All have been released from the hospital.
Dr. Gerrita Postlewait, superintendent of Lexington One, said “Our hearts go out to the students and their families and everyone involved. We are truly grateful that those seen at the hospital have all been released. Today, school administrators and counselors continue to check on the students. Additional school counselors were on standby if needed.”
District officials are cooperating with the S.C. Highway Patrol as they continue an investigation into the incident.
Postlewait said, “We want to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the first responders and Lexington Medical Center’s medical personnel for the care, concern and assistance provided yesterday. Their efforts helped ensure the safety and well-being of our students.”
Lexington One human resources and transportation personnel are also conducting an investigation following federal law and district procedures. The driver of the bus will remain on administrative leave pending the outcomes of the investigations.
First and foremost, district and school administrators will continue to provide support to the students on the bus and their families. Lexington One remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards for the transportation for our students. “The results of the investigations will be fully reviewed by district administrators and transportation officials,” said Postlewait.
