LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. — According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), a fatal crash unfolded around 10:13 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, claiming the life of 23-year-old Ardmore man Sidney C. Benson. The collision occurred when the 2023 Kia Seltos crashed with a 2020 Greyhound bus driven by 63-year-old Toni E. Lopez from Old Hickory, Tenn. After the initial impact, the bus left the roadway and overturned. ALEA states that Benson was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. Lopez sustained injuries and was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital.
All eight passengers on the bus suffered injuries and were transported to local hospitals for medical attention. The crash occurred on Pinedale Road near Alabama 53, approximately four miles southeast of Ardmore in Limestone County.
Passengers on the bus, as per ALEA, include:
- Tina D. Ratcliff, 56, of Louin, Miss.
- Kenneth C. Green, 41, of Florence
- Ceara K. Finney, 36, of Tuscaloosa
- Willie G. Miller Jr., 63, of Nashville, Tenn.
- Tashae L. Brandberry, 23
- Lacey J. Cantu, 36, of Moncks Corner, S.C.
- Dion L. Shelton, 54, of Lowndesboro
- Hope R. Knox, 37, of Myrtle, Miss.
ALEA's Highway Patrol Division states that they are currently investigating.
Greyhound have released the following statement:
Greyhound regrets to confirm that according to currently available information, a bus traveling from Tallahassee, Florida to Nashville, Tennessee was involved in a serious accident near Ardmore, Alabama, late Monday evening.
Eight passengers and the driver of the bus were transported to nearby hospitals, and six of those passengers have been treated and released. Greyhound is saddened to learn that the driver of the car involved in the accident suffered fatal injuries. We are shocked and saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and sympathy are with all who were involved, as well as their families. We are working at this time to give our full support to those affected by this accident.
Greyhound continues to work closely with the relevant authorities on site to determine the exact circumstances of this accident.
Greyhound will issue additional information as soon as further details become available.
