Recent Developments Affecting Charlotte and Gaston Communities

Charlotte NC, February 14, 2026

In the Charlotte metropolitan area, significant events have occurred, including a school bus accident that injured 14 students, corporate layoffs at Lowe’s impacting 600 employees, and ongoing road closures due to a tractor-trailer fire. Additionally, a tragic house fire claimed a life in Stanley, while law enforcement made notable arrests related to drug trafficking and school break-ins. These incidents highlight the challenges facing local communities and the need for ongoing public safety efforts.

Charlotte, North Carolina – Local communities across the Charlotte metropolitan area, including Gaston County, are reacting to a series of significant events reported within the last 48 hours. These incidents range from a serious school bus accident and a fatal residential fire to major corporate layoffs and a significant interstate closure, highlighting ongoing challenges and developments in the region.

Gaston County School Bus Accident Injures 14 Students

Gastonia, NC – A school bus crash on Thursday afternoon in Gastonia resulted in injuries to 14 students. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. along Jenkins Dairy Road and Jenkins Road when a Gaston County Schools bus, carrying 48 students and the driver, veered off the road and into a wooded area.

Emergency services responded to the scene, and officials confirmed that the 14 students sustained non-life-threatening injuries. One child was reported to have a possible broken arm. The bus was transporting students from Bessemer City Primary School and Bessemer City Central Elementary School.

According to initial reports from the Gastonia Police Department, the bus driver swerved, overcorrected, and subsequently drove off the roadway. Students who were not injured in the crash were transported to the school by another bus, where they were reunited with their parents or guardians. Parents of the hospitalized children were also contacted by district officials.

Lowe’s Announces Significant Corporate Layoffs

Mooresville, NC – Mooresville-based home improvement retail giant Lowe’s announced the layoff of approximately 600 corporate and other employees. This decision, reported in the last 48 hours, is part of the company’s efforts to “better align our resources” and focus on supporting its frontline workers.

The job cuts impact various corporate and other roles within the organization. While the company stated the realignment is intended to enhance operational efficiency, the news has generated considerable discussion among employees and the local business community.

Interstate 485 Closure Due to Tractor-Trailer Fire

Charlotte, NC – The Outer Loop of Interstate 485 in northeast Charlotte experienced significant disruption within the last 48 hours following a tractor-trailer fire. Flames fully engulfed the commercial vehicle, leading to the closure of the interstate.

Fire officials advised motorists to find alternate routes due to substantial delays in the area. Emergency crews worked to extinguish the blaze and clear the roadway. The incident highlighted the challenges faced by commuters and freight traffic in the busy Charlotte metropolitan region.

Fatal House Fire in Stanley, Woman Critically Injured

Stanley, NC – A tragic residential fire on Blacksnake Road near Stanley on Sunday night resulted in the death of 75-year-old Dennis Hamlin and critically injured 69-year-old Mary Lou Hamlin. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:19 p.m., arriving to find the two-story home largely engulfed in flames with fire showing through the entire attic.

Both residents, Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin, suffered catastrophic injuries while attempting to escape the blaze. Gaston County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) transported them to CaroMont Regional Medical Center, where Dennis Hamlin later succumbed to his injuries. The incident underscores the devastating impact of residential fires on local families.

Recent Law Enforcement Actions in Gaston County

Gastonia, NC – Gaston County Police have made several notable announcements within the recent days regarding ongoing investigations and arrests. An update was provided on the breaking and entering incident at Bessemer City High School that occurred on February 2, 2026. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident: a 17-year-old juvenile whose name has not been released, and Michael S. Pruitt, an 18-year-old from Kings Mountain.

The charges against the suspects include safe cracking, possession of stolen property, and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance. The Gaston County Police K-9 unit assisted in the apprehension of Michael S. Pruitt.

In a separate law enforcement success reported recently, a wanted drug trafficker, Okevius Farrell Bigger, 37, of Gastonia, was captured in Clover, South Carolina, on February 4, 2026. This arrest was the result of a joint effort between the Gaston County Police Department and the York County Sheriff’s Office. Bigger was wanted on multiple trafficking offenses involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $70,000. Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous synthetic opioid that continues to drive overdose deaths nationwide.

Additionally, on February 3, 2026, the Gaston County Police Department’s K-9 Unit, in collaboration with its Special Investigations Unit, seized over $500,000 in cash on Interstate 85 in Gaston County. This substantial amount is believed to be associated with illegal drug activity, demonstrating continued efforts by local law enforcement to combat drug-related crime.

These recent events collectively paint a picture of ongoing community developments and challenges requiring the attention of residents and authorities across the Charlotte-Gaston region. Local law enforcement continues to investigate these incidents and maintain public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the Gastonia school bus crash?

A school bus in Gastonia, carrying 48 students and a driver, crashed into a wooded area on Thursday afternoon, February 12, 2026, on Jenkins Dairy Road and Jenkins Road. 14 students sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with one child possibly suffering a broken arm.

Which schools were affected by the bus crash?

The bus was transporting students from Bessemer City Primary School and Bessemer City Central Elementary School.

What was the cause of the Gastonia bus accident?

Initial police reports indicate the bus driver swerved, overcorrected, and then drove off the road.

How many employees were laid off by Lowe’s?

Lowe’s, based in Mooresville, announced the layoff of approximately 600 corporate and other employees.

What was the reason for the Lowe’s layoffs?

The company stated the layoffs were made to “better align our resources” and to focus on supporting frontline workers.

What caused the Interstate 485 closure in Charlotte?

The Outer Loop of Interstate 485 in northeast Charlotte was closed due to a tractor-trailer fire, which fully engulfed the vehicle.

Who were the victims of the fatal house fire in Stanley?

75-year-old Dennis Hamlin died, and 69-year-old Mary Lou Hamlin was critically injured in a house fire on Blacksnake Road near Stanley.

Were arrests made in the Bessemer City High School breaking and entering?

Yes, two individuals were arrested: a 17-year-old juvenile and Michael S. Pruitt, 18, of Kings Mountain.

What drug trafficking arrest was made recently in Gaston County?

Okevius Farrell Bigger, 37, of Gastonia, a wanted drug trafficker, was captured in Clover, South Carolina, for offenses involving fentanyl and methamphetamine.

What is the significance of fentanyl in drug trafficking?

Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous synthetic opioid that continues to drive overdose deaths nationwide.

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Author: HERE Charlotte

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