9 people hospitalized after accident on Highway 17 - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

9 people hospitalized after accident on Highway 17

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) - Nine people were sent to area hospitals after a van hit a bus carrying seniors from the Council on Aging Wednesday afternoon in Colleton County.

According to Colleton County Fire officials, the accident happened on Highway 17 around 1:45 p.m. near the Beaufort County line. A minivan crossed the center line and hit a bus carrying seniors.

Chief Barry McRoy said the bus driver swerved and narrowly avoided a head-on collision. He said the bus driver did an excellent job averting what could have been a disastrous wreck.

Eight of the nine were taken to Colleton Medical Center. One person was airlifted to Medical University Hospital.

The highway was shut down for about an hour, which backed up traffic for about six miles.