Douglas Byrd High School football team involved in Leland bus crash

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Emergency crews are responding to a crash involving an overturned Cumberland County Schools activity bus in Brunswick County that has closed a highway ramp in Leland.

Officials confirmed that 33 people were on board the bus including 26 students and 7 adults. The group was identified as members of the Douglas Byrd High School football team from Fayetteville.

The team had been in the area for a 7-on-7 football scrimmage against South Brunswick High School and was heading home when the crash occurred.

Four people — two adults and two children — were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The remaining passengers will be taken for medical evaluation, according to officials.

The crash occurred on the ramp from U.S. Highway 17 North to U.S. Highway 74 West, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

NCDOT says the ramp is closed while first responders work at the scene. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area and expect delays.

Cumberland County Schools has released a statement saying “we appreciate the quick response of law enforcement and medical personnel. Our focus at this time is on supporting our students, staff and families.”

The cause of the crash has not been released. This is a developing story, and additional information will be added as it becomes available.