Fourteen Students Hospitalized After School Bus Crash In Gastonia, NC On February 12, 2026

Gastonia, NC (February 12, 2026) - Reports from local news sources and police statements indicate that 14 elementary school students were transported to area hospitals after a school bus crashed into the woods Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Jenkins Dairy Road and Jenkins Road.

According to Gaston County Schools, the crash occurred shortly before 3 p.m. involving school bus No. 505, which was transporting 48 students from Bessemer City Primary School and Bessemer City Central Elementary School. The bus was also carrying the driver at the time of the incident.

Authorities stated that the bus traveled off the roadway and into a wooded area. Police reported that one child suffered a possible broken arm. School officials later confirmed that 14 students were taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries. No additional serious injuries were reported.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene, where dozens of students were seen outside the bus. Another bus was dispatched to transport the remaining students back to the school, where parents and guardians were instructed to pick them up. School officials confirmed that families of the students who were transported to the hospital were contacted directly.

Preliminary information shared by police indicates the driver swerved, overcorrected, and left the roadway before entering the woods. A student at the scene told reporters the bus appeared to be traveling too fast prior to the crash, though officials have not confirmed contributing factors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The bus was towed from the scene shortly after 5 p.m., and police asked motorists to avoid the area while crews worked to clear the roadway. No further details have been released as the investigation continues.

How Traffic Incidents Move Through Review Channels

In the aftermath of a school bus crash, the next steps often depend on how the event is documented and reviewed. Once emergency response efforts conclude, agencies typically begin gathering statements, examining vehicle conditions, and reviewing roadway factors to determine what occurred.

These reviews may involve coordination between law enforcement, school districts, insurance carriers, and in some cases transportation safety officials. Documentation such as incident reports, medical records, and maintenance logs can play a central role in understanding both immediate causes and any longer term implications. This structured process helps clarify responsibilities and ensures that accurate information guides any further administrative or civil review.

Understanding How Injury Claims Are Evaluated After A Bus Accident

When injuries occur in a bus accident, insurance reviews generally begin with an examination of available coverage and applicable policy limits. In cases involving school transportation, multiple policies may apply, including district coverage and, in some situations, additional liability policies. Policy limits can affect the total funds available for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other documented losses.

Insurance carriers typically assess the scope of injuries and related costs before determining settlement values. Their evaluation often considers:

• Medical records and physician assessments
• Ambulance and hospital billing statements
• Photographs and official crash reports
• Statements from drivers, witnesses, or school officials
• Long term care recommendations if injuries require follow up treatment

The value assigned to a claim may reflect current medical expenses as well as anticipated future care needs. Insurers also review whether coverage caps apply and how fault determinations influence responsibility for payment. These evaluations can take time, particularly when multiple injured parties are involved.

In communities such as Gastonia, families navigating these processes often look for clear information about how claims unfold and what documentation may be required. Resources available through legal support in Gastonia frequently outline how local and state level procedures intersect with insurance reviews following school transportation incidents.

Understanding Next Steps After A Bus Accident In Gastonia, North Carolina

After reviewing how post accident investigations and insurance evaluations typically progress, the importance of organized communication becomes evident. Clear documentation, timely record gathering, and consistent updates between families, insurers, and school officials can help prevent misunderstandings during what is often a stressful period.

At Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand that families affected by a bus accident may have questions about medical documentation, insurance coordination, and available options. Our firm focuses on providing straightforward information so individuals can better understand their circumstances and make informed decisions based on accurate facts and structured guidance.