A bus carrying middle school students was severely damaged after a crash on Interstate 80 in Morris County just after 8:00 AM on Thursday morning, May 17. The school bus was taking students from East Brook Middle School in Paramus to Waterloo Village in Byram for a field trip when the collision took place. According to State Police, 2 individuals, a student and a chaperone, were killed in the crash and several more were injured.
The accident occurred just west of exit 25 in Mount Olive, New Jersey, resulting in a complete lane closure on the I-80 westbound through the late morning. Although the cause of the crash is yet unknown, pictures of the incident show the front end of the bus ripped away from the body of the vehicle, leaving it mangled and overturned. The bus itself was detached from the chassis and could be seen laying on its side on the median of the I-80. Police have confirmed that a dump truck was also involved in the crash, though it appears the bus was driven into the guardrail along the side of the interstate.
Rob Greenbaum, the major of Mount Olive, visited the scene as soon as he learned of the crash. He described the crash site, saying “It’s a horrific scene,” as he oversaw rescue efforts. At this time, authorities confirm that two passengers were killed, though their ages and names have not yet been released.
At least one person was taken to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson and several more are being cared for at Morristown Medical Center. District officials also say some passengers are being treated at Hackettstown Medical Center for crash-related injuries. The number of injured crash victims and their ages are still unknown. Witnesses report seeing about 45 students on the bus at the time of the crash.
Two other buses also carried students from East Brook Middle School, though they were not involved in the crash. After the incident with the third bus, the other two buses took the children back to school, where all 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students were released for the day.
Our legal team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law sends our warmest regards to the individuals involved in the crash, as well as their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you during this difficult time.
For updates regarding this incident, visit nj.com or usatoday.com to read more.
If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident caused by the negligence or carelessness of another, we want to help. Contact Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law to discuss your legal options with our Hackensack personal injury lawyer.