Deadly Crash in Lexington Involving School Bus, Motorcycle and Van Leads to Arrest

Deadly Crash in Lexington Involving School Bus, Motorcycle and Van Leads to Arrest

A man from West Columbia has landed in police custody following a tragic incident involving a school bus, a van, and a motorcycle on Lexington’s Industrial Drive. Tragically, the incident claimed the life of a local motorcycle rider.

The Tormenting Collision

The devastating accident unfolded Monday in the 100 block of Industrial Drive. The three-vehicle collision involved a school bus from Lexington County School District One, a work van, and a motorcycle.

Details shared by the Lexington Police Department reveal that the van driver, a 20-year-old identified as Giovanni Mendoza Jimenez, was at fault. Authorities have charged him with driving without a driver’s license and are considering further charges, according to the department.

The catastrophic event occurred when the van collided with the motorcycle and the bus, which had stopped to collect students. Reportedly, the van’s driver failed to notice the halted vehicles, causing him to crash into the motorcycle, which subsequently led to the motorcyclist getting pinned against the bus.

The motorcyclist, 45-year-old Jon Douglas Ratcliffe, from Lexington, tragically succumbed to injuries on the spot, according to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher.

Those Affected

Of the seven students onboard the bus at the time of the accident, one suffered a minor arm cut. Emergency Medical Services transported the injured student to a nearby hospital for treatment, the officials mentioned.

Mendoza Jimenez also sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital by EMS. He is currently detained at the Lexington County Detention Center.

As the situation unfolds, the community has been left reeling with grief and shock. The Lexington Police Department and other relevant authorities have urged the public to be conscientious of traffic rules and to remain vigilant while driving, especially during school commute hours.

Looking Ahead

Investigations remain ongoing as police continue to glean additional information about the catastrophic incident. This accident has, once again, highlighted the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic rules, and illuminated the grave consequences of negligent driving.

Contact Information

Anybody with further information about this tragic incident is being urged to come forward and contact the Lexington Police Department at +1-803-799-1010.