A school bus wreck on a busy stretch of Matthews Township Parkway turned the Wednesday commute into a headache, shutting down lanes near Sam Newell Road and pulling a full emergency response to the scene. Traffic slowed to a crawl as crews blocked off the area so first responders could work.
MEDIC units were dispatched and later cleared from the site, officials said, while other agencies kept the road closed so investigators could document the crash and crews could remove debris. Drivers were urged to steer clear of the corridor until lanes could safely reopen.
According to WCNC, MEDIC confirmed they responded to the crash and had been cleared from the scene. The station reported it had a crew headed to the location to gather more information, and as of its initial report officials had not said whether anyone was hurt or if students were on board the bus. The incident remains under investigation, WCNC noted.
Crash Adds To Safety Concerns On Sam Newell Corridor
The Sam Newell corridor is already on the radar for safety issues. In the Town of Matthews' Vision Zero draft plan, the area is flagged as part of the high-injury network, meaning it has above-average crash density and serious injuries based on data compiled through 2023. The document notes the town must work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to make changes on state-maintained roads like Sam Newell, highlighting why wrecks here set off alarms for both planners and residents.
The designation in the Town of Matthews plan helps explain why another crash along this stretch is drawing extra scrutiny.
Investigation And Traffic Fallout
Officials told WCNC the crash remains under investigation and that more details will be released when available. Drivers should expect lingering delays and possible lane closures in the area while authorities finish their work and fully clear the scene.
This story will be updated as local officials and agencies release additional information.
