School bus crashes into Edison home after driver says brakes failed; 2 students injured
EDISON, N.J. -- Investigators are looking into the cause of a school bus crash in New Jersey that left two students with minor injuries.
Police said initial findings indicate the brakes of the bus were not working.
Ring camera video shows the moment the school bus crashed into a home on Rahway Road in Edison Wednesday morning.
"I think it's just something I've never seen before, and hope not to witness again," Edison resident Rachel Endress said.
Video shows about 30 6th, 7th and 8th graders from John Adams Middle School walking off the bus.
School officials said just two students had minor injuries.
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Posted by CBS New York on Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Police said the driver told them she couldn't stop the bus and that when she hit the brakes, the bus accelerated.
"The driver was OK, but reported that the brakes failed on the bus," Edison Township Police Chief Thomas Bryan said.
The bus careened into the garage of the home after taking down several fences.;
The homeowner said three people were inside their house cleaning, but none of them were hurt.
Watch: Authorities discuss school bus crash
"It could have been horrible, and I think she did a great job to stay calm in the moment and avoid all the other houses and objects to keep those kids safe," one officer said.
We reached out to the Joy Transportation company, but were told the company has no comment.
CBS New York has learned the school bus was taken out of service back in May because of an exterior body issue, but was approved to go back into service after inspections.
At the middle school, a therapy dog named Tybee was brought in to comfort traumatized students.
"There are counseling services for the students who've been transported, who have been transported back to the school our principal and teachers are providing them with support," Superintendent Edward Aldarelli said.
The bus knocked down bricks from the home, sending debris all over the lawn. Police said several agencies will be investigating, including the Department of Transportation, to determine what happened.