Gastonia, NC (February 13, 2026) – Fourteen elementary school students were transported to the hospital on Thursday afternoon after a school bus left the roadway and crashed into a wooded area at the intersection of Jenkins Dairy Rd and Jenkins Rd in Gastonia.
Key Details
- Type: School bus crash
- Location: Jenkins Dairy Rd & Jenkins Rd
- Reported: Thursday, February 12
- Students on Board: 48 elementary students
- Injuries: 14 students were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries
- Vehicle Status: Bus went off the road into the woods and was towed after 5 p.m.
What We Know So Far
- The bus was transporting students from Bessemer City Primary School and Bessemer City Central Elementary School.
- Gastonia Police said the bus left the roadway and entered a wooded area near the intersection.
- One child was reported to have a possible broken arm.
- Emergency crews remained at the scene for several hours, and drivers were asked to avoid the area.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- What caused the bus to leave the roadway
- Whether the driver or any adults on board were injured
- If road or weather conditions played a role
- Whether any additional medical evaluations are ongoing
Local Context
The intersection of Jenkins Dairy Rd and Jenkins Rd is located in a developing area of Gastonia that connects residential neighborhoods with school routes serving Bessemer City and surrounding communities in Gaston County. School buses frequently travel this corridor during afternoon dismissal hours. When a crash involving a bus occurs at a two-road junction like this, responders must secure the immediate area, manage traffic flow, and ensure children are safely evaluated and accounted for before vehicles can be removed. Because the bus left the roadway and entered a wooded area, crews likely had to coordinate access and towing logistics before the scene was fully cleared later in the evening.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- If witnesses are present, collect names and contact information when possible.
- Keep paperwork from the incident in one place for easy reference.
FAQ
Q: What information is typically included in a crash report?
A: A crash report usually contains the date and location, vehicles involved, statements from drivers or witnesses, roadway conditions, and any noted injuries or property damage.
Q: Why do highway crashes often lead to traffic backups?
A: Even a single blocked lane can disrupt traffic flow, and when emergency vehicles and tow trucks are present, delays can extend to nearby intersections and connecting roads.
Q: What happens when police arrive at a crash scene?
A: Officers secure the area, assess for injuries, coordinate with medical crews, gather statements, and document the scene before determining next steps.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
