An elementary school bus carrying roughly 30 students went off the road after a crash at the intersection of Jenkins Dairy Road and Jenkins Road in Gastonia on Thursday afternoon, injuring several people and rattling families across the area. At least three people were hurt, and one child suffered what officials described as a possible broken arm. Emergency crews rushed to the scene while city staff and investigators worked to account for students and secure the area. Authorities said the cause of the collision remained under investigation.
According to WBTV, Gastonia police said the bus, which was running an elementary school route, went off the road after the crash and was carrying approximately 30 students. The station reported that at least three people were hurt and one student had a possible broken arm. Officials had not immediately said whether the other injured people were students.
Injuries and response
First responders moved quickly to check students for injuries and secure the immediate area while investigators began canvassing for details. Local roads near the intersection were disrupted for a time as crews cleared the scene, coordinated with school staff, and worked to determine who needed further medical attention.
Legal and safety context
In North Carolina, drivers must stop for school buses when stop arms are extended or red lights are flashing, and violations carry stiff penalties. Under G.S. 20-217, the North Carolina General Assembly establishes that passing a stopped school bus can be a Class 1 misdemeanor with a minimum fine, and willfully passing a stopped bus that results in hitting a person may be prosecuted as a felony. Automated stop-arm camera images are admissible as evidence.
Gastonia police said their investigation was ongoing. This report will be updated as authorities or school officials provide more information to families and the public.
