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Church bus driver cited after 87-year-old woman killed in fiery crash on I-77

The driver said he lost control attempting to get off at a ramp. The bus made contact with the barrier and the engine overheated and caught fire, officials say.

Editor's note: Officials initially reported the woman killed in the crash on I-77 was 82. Troopers confirmed on Monday that the woman was 87. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- North Carolina Highway Patrol confirms the church bus driver in Sunday's fiery crash on I-77 was cited with misdemeanor death by vehicle. 

Trooper report one person was killed in the crash and four others were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries in the crash. 

The incident started around 2:15 p.m., officials said.  An activity bus belonging to the Victory Christian Center with five passengers and one driver was traveling southbound on I-77 near the 9C off-ramp. 

The driver said he attempted to get off at the 9C exit, but lost control of the bus. The bus made contact with the barrier and, upon impact, the engine overheated and caught fire, according to State Highway Patrol. 

The bus driver was later cited with misdemeanor death by vehicle, officials said the contributing factor was unsafe movement.

87-year-old Daisy Withers was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Credit: WCNC

Four people were transported by Medic, one in critical condition. The driver of the bus is okay, according to SHP. The Mass Casualty Unit was at the scene in addition to multiple other first responders. 

Church members gathered for what was supposed to be a usual Sunday night service, but were mourning the loss of a longtime member, and praying for others who were hurt.

"It's just a real shock. You know, it's still sinking in," said Minister Marilyn Gool with the Victory Christian Center.

Victory Christian Center members are coming together after tragedy takes one of their own.

"We will pray that God will bring something good out of this," Gool said.

The church lost Withers, who is described as a faithful member.

"It is a reminder of just how fragile life is," Gool said.

The pastor is calling for prayers from the community. There will be church services at 7:30 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday evenings at Campus 3.

This is a developing story. Stick with WCNC for more information.

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