DALLAS, NC — Authorities are investigating an accident involving a Gaston County school bus, dump truck and pickup that happened Friday afternoon. The accident happened just before 4:30pm on NC-155 (Dallas High Shoals Highway) near Donna Drive.
According to Gaston County Public Schools, bus #175 from W.C. Friday Middle School was preparing to make a stop when a Dodge pick-up truck tried to pass.Β Troopers with the NC Highway Patrol say the pick-up started out in a passing zone, but did not clear the school bus before entering a double yellow line.
A dump truck in the oncoming lanes came over the hill, officials say, and collided head on with the pick-up before side swiping the school bus down the length of its side.
25 students were reportedly on board at the time. No life threatening injuries were reported, but troopers say two students were transported to Lincoln Regional hospital for minor injuries.
None of the drivers were injured in the accident.
Troopers say the driver of the Dodge pickup has been charged with improper passing, careless and reckless driving and improper tires (low tread). That driver’s name has not yet been released.
