A school bus collided with a GMC van Thursday morning on I-195 near Exit 35B, overturning the bus and injuring several people, authorities said.
The crash occurred just before 7:30 a.m. when the eastbound school bus struck the GMC van. One juvenile passenger suffered serious injuries, while the bus driver and three other juvenile passengers sustained minor injuries. Emergency responders took all five to nearby hospitals. The driver of the GMC van did not report any injuries.
The bus, en route to Communications High School in Wall Township, sustained extensive damage. Video footage from a news helicopter showed severe damage to its roof, windows, and back door. The GMC van also showed significant front-end damage. The crash prompted the closure of all eastbound lanes of I-195 for several hours while authorities investigated the scene. Traffic diverted at Exit 31, causing significant delays.
The Monmouth County Vocational School District, which operates Communications High School, reassured the community that student safety remains its top priority. The district confirmed it is working closely with authorities and the transportation company to review the incident. Counselors are available to support students affected by the crash.
New Jersey State Police are investigating the cause of the school bus crash. Authorities have not released further details. Traffic delays will likely continue as the investigation progresses.
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