Driver charged after rollover bus crash involving Douglas Byrd High School football team

LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — The driver of a school bus that crashed Wednesday on a U.S. 74 exit ramp in Leland has been charged following an investigation by the Leland Police Department.

Police say 57-year-old Annette Blount of Linden, North Carolina has been charged with reckless driving with wanton disregard and exceeding a safe speed.

Blount will appear in court August 11.

Investigators determined the bus was traveling from northbound U.S. 17 onto the westbound U.S. 74 exit ramp when it entered a curve at a speed greater than the recommended limit. The bus then left the roadway, overturned and came to rest partially in the roadway.

The crash happened shortly after 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The bus was carrying members of the Douglas Byrd High School football team from Fayetteville after the team attended a 7-on-7 football event at South Brunswick High School.

There were 33 people on board, including 26 students and seven adults. Four people — two students and two adults — were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say all individuals transported for treatment have since been released.

The investigation remains ongoing.