Four killed, dozens hurt after charter bus hits overpass in N.C.

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — State troopers say four people have died and more than 40 were injured in a charter bus crash Saturday near Rockingham, N. C.

Between 40 and 50 people were hurt in the crash and all have been transported to hospitals, Hamlet Fire and Rescue Chief Calvin White told to WBTV in Charlotte, N.C.

The extent of their injuries was not immediately known.

University of God’s Chosen coach Demetrius Hollingsworth said that football players and coaches from Ramah Juco Academy were traveling from Rock Hill, S.C., to Raeford to face UGC when their charter bus struck an overpass about 3 p.m. on Interstate 74 in Richmond County, WRAL-TV reported.

“Prayers go out to Ramah Juco they suffered a horrific charter bus accident on the way to Fayetteville to face the University of God’s Chosen. Everyone pray for Coach Bakari Rawlinson! Prayers out to you and your student athletes brother,” Hollingsworth posted on his Facebook page Saturday.

The bus may have blown a front tire, State Highway Patrol told WRAL.

Images from the scene showed the side wall of the bus almost sheared off and some of the injured lying on the ground.

Rockingham is about 70 miles southeast of Charlotte.