1 dead, multiple injuries reported in Catawba County school bus wreck

One death and multiple injuries were reported in a wreck involving a Catawba County Schools bus on Friday afternoon.

The driver of an SUV that collided with the bus died, State Highway Patrol troopers told reporters at the scene later Friday. The driver was identified as Terry Lasher, 31, of Catawba County. Troopers are investigating whether Lasher was texting at the time, Observer news partner WBTV reported.

Three students and the bus driver and monitor were on the bus at the time and are being evaluated by paramedics and emergency management services, “but there appears to be no serious physical injuries to the students or the bus driver and monitor,” a Catawba County Schools spokeswoman said shortly before 4 p.m.

The wreck occurred near Bethany Church Road and N.C. 10, east of Newton.

A witness told WSOC-TV that the SUV driver crossed the center line and the bus driver tried to avoid the vehicle.

The students attend Catawba Rosenwald Education Center, an alternative school, WBTV reported.

Joe Marusak

This story was originally published February 10, 2017 at 3:34 PM with the headline "1 dead, multiple injuries reported in Catawba County school bus wreck."