KANNAPOLIS — Charges are pending against the driver of a tour bus that was involved in a multi-car crash on Friday, said a spokesperson for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The driver was identified as Rickey Charles Alvis, a 81-year-old man from Louisburg. According to the spokesperson, Alvis allegedly failed to reduce his speed, causing him to hit other motor vehicles.

The tour bus was transporting members of Barton College’s cross-country team to their conference championship in Charlotte.

“Members of Barton’s administration were in constant communication with Coach Tim Foster and are thankful that all student athletes and staff are safe. One student athlete was taken to the hospital for a 24-hour observation, as a precaution. She was in the care of her parents. The other student-athletes were examined, with appropriate protocols being followed, to confirm they were in good condition. Coach Foster and the team remained in Charlotte overnight and traveled back to campus on Saturday. Barton College’s first and top priority is always the health and safety of its students,” said a statement from the college.

The occupants of the bus included one coach and 12 student-athletes, according to Barton’s Director of Communications Kathy Daughety. Daughety also said that the buses and drivers are all contracted through a third-party company.