New Jersey Bus Crash Injures 5, Including 4 Children

New Jersey Bus Crash Injures 5, Including 4 Children

In Wall Township, New Jersey, a terrifying school bus accident on I-195 has shaken a community, leaving several children and a driver injured.

Key Takeaways

  • Four children and the driver sustained injuries in a serious bus accident on I-195.
  • The crash occurred at 7:30 a.m., resulting in the bus overturning after colliding with a GMC van.
  • The bus driver and three other children escaped with minor injuries, but one child was seriously injured.
  • Authorities closed the highway’s eastbound lanes for a thorough investigation.
  • School buses are reinforced for safety, with extensive features to protect children, but officials have stressed the importance of taking proper precautions.

Incident Details

An accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on March 27 on I-195 in Wall Township when a New Jersey school bus collided with a GMC van and overturned. The bus was on its way to Communications High School, and the crash led to significant injuries. A child was seriously hurt, while the bus driver and three other children sustained minor injuries. All of the injured people were promptly taken to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment.

Remarkably, the GMC van’s driver was uninjured. Video evidence revealed the overturned bus with a sizable hole in its roof, potentially used as an escape route during evacuation efforts. Law enforcement shut down the eastbound lanes of I-195 for investigation, causing traffic delays.

Community Impact and Response

The accident shook the local community, known for its close-knit atmosphere. “It’s a very close-knit community, so it’s scary. To find out that someone you’re going to school with is pretty scary,” said student Tommy Schneider, expressing concern for classmates involved.

The Monmouth County Vocational School District reached out to families, emphasizing their commitment to student safety and ensuring all necessary precautions are examined. Authorities continue to investigate the incident’s cause, with full details yet to surface.

School Bus Safety in the United States

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road, responsible for less than 1% of traffic fatalities involving children.

These vehicles are meticulously designed with safety features, including flashing lights, cross-view mirrors, and stop-sign arms. The concept of “compartmentalization” provides additional crash protection, ensuring children’s safety. Despite their robust safety record, incidents like the Wall Township accident highlight the importance of constant vigilance and adherence to traffic regulations to keep everyone safe. The NHTSA notes that other vehicles should always make sure to stop for school buses and be aware of their light signals.

Sources

  1. 4 children injured, including one seriously, after NJ school bus flips on its side on I-195
  2. School Bus Safety
  3. Driver, 4 students injured when school bus overturned in Wall Township
  4. School Children Rushed to Hospital After Major Bus Crash Shuts Down Interstate

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