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HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) – Law enforcement officials were on scene and directing traffic following an incident involving a charter bus on I-10 westbound past Highway 603 in Hancock County on Friday afternoon.
According to MHP, the bus was carrying 59 occupants at the time of the wreck, mainly consisting of students from the University of South Carolina. Officials say 11 were injured, including the driver who was ejected during the incident.
According to Bay St. Louis Police Chief Toby Schwartz, the students on the bus are members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity who were on their way to a formal taking place in New Orleans.
The incident took place when a tire on the bus blew out, leading the driver to stand up to hold onto the wheel. At some point, the bus began to lean and travel on two wheels. As it came back down to all fours, the impact busted the windshield and ejected the driver. A student on the bus then took control of the vehicle and brought it to a stop.
Following the crash, 11 total injuries were reported. Nine students were taken to a local hospital via ambulance. One student and the driver were airlifted and listed in critical condition.
The remaining students at the crash site were transported by Hancock County School District buses to a nearby school building where they arranged for further transportation.
The University of South Carolina has since issued this statement:
Traffic congestion in the area is relieved as of 8 p.m.
We will update this story as we learn more information.
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