8 children safely removed from bus trapped under power lines after crash in New Jersey
LONG HILL, N.J. – Eight children and their driver were safely removed from their school bus in Long Hill, New Jersey, on Monday morning after it crashed into a utility pole, trapping it off the road with power lines laying on top, police said.
"The first thing we determined was no injuries," Police Chief Ahmed Naga said. "It looks a lot worse than it is."
No injuries or pain were reported among the victims, but the bus driver was taken to Morristown Medical Center for evaluation per bus-company policy, Lt. James Marczewski said.
Police arrived shortly after receiving multiple 911 calls about the crash at 8:26 a.m., Marczewski said.
The occupants of the bus obeyed orders to remain on board after police observed "primary wires" atop the bus, then exited when instructed.
"Upon arrival, it was determined there were no injuries. The next concern were the wires on the school bus," Naga said. "The kids were a little bit concerned, but very relieved to get out of there."
A JCP&L crew arrived within 10 minutes of the crash to advise responders that the wires were not energized and the children could be safely removed.
The children, ages 8 to 11, were driven to Millington and Gillette elementary schools in the township after the crash.
"Some of the parents opted to take their kids home; others are going to allow their kids to continue the school day," Marczewski said.
Jersey Central Power & Light Co. reported two power outages in the area, with 438 Morris County, New Jersey, customers without power. The power lines were still on top of the bus at noon.
The power lines were still on top of the bus at noon. Naga said his department may hold the bus pending further investigation.
The bus driver told investigators she was making a left turn on her normal route and did not remember the crash.
"She was reasonable, alert and conscious," Naga said.
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Rich Donat, a Long Hill Township resident, said he had just put his 6-year-old daughter on a different bus to Gillette School about 8:23 a.m. when two power outages in the area alerted him that something was wrong.
Word of the crash spread quickly on social media among parents, Donat said. When he learned about the crash, he went to the scene, as did other anxious parents.
"We are pretty freaked," said Donat. "I know I was a little freaked. Nobody told us anything."
Other parents went to the schools for updated information.
Long Hill School District Superintendent Edwin Acevedo was not immediately available for comment.
Donat said the district eliminated a bus company a few years ago that had served the district for about 50 years in favor of two new carriers.
"We're thankful no students were hurt," said a spokesperson for Cincinnati-based First Student transportation company, which owns and operates the bus.
"Somebody was watching over us today," Naga said. "It looks a lot worse than it is. This area, there's a steep hill coming down. This intersection is sometimes subject to motor-vehicle crashes. But as you can see today, the road conditions are clear and dry today. Hopefully I will never see this again."
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