Townville, SC : 13 injured after church bus crash on I-85 South in Anderson County on Monday morning, September 26, 2016

Thirteen people were hospitalized after a crash involving a church bus on I-85 South near mile marker 9 Monday morning, according to troopers

I-85 South was shut down at mile marker 11 due to the crash, which happened just before 10 a.m. Traffic was moving slowly in the area by 11:30 a.m. and traffic was still backed up as of 1 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m. troopers said both southbound lanes would likely be closed for an hour as tow trucks removed the wrecked vehicles and encouraged drivers to use the following detour: Exit 11 to Highway 24 to Highway 243 and then back onto I-85 South at Exit 4.

Troopers said the crash involved a church bus and a pickup truck. The church bus overturned after being struck in the rear by the truck, troopers said.

All thirteen people on board the bus, including the driver, were taken from the crash scene by ambulance. Emergency dispatchers said four patients were in critical condition.

Troopers said the driver of the pickup was not hurt, but was issued a citation for wreckless driving. He was identified as Christopher Mezzatesa of Charlotte.

The bus was carrying members from Homeland Park Baptist Church's senior citizen group. The group was heading to Unicoi State Park and Helen, GA on Monday morning.

The pastor of the church posted on Facebook around 4 p.m. to say he was released from the hospital. He recognized first responders and officials at AnMed for their help in treating his parishioners.

Source :
13 hospitalized after church bus crash on I-85 South in Anderson Co.