LEONIA, NJ – Investigators in New Jersey are delving into the circumstances surrounding a New Jersey Transit bus crash in Bergen County, which occurred around 9 a.m. The incident unfolded when the bus veered off its route and collided with a building, prompting an immediate response from local authorities.
The bus, marked with “Student Driver” signs, had only two occupants at the time of the crash: a student and an instructor. The identities of the driver remain undisclosed by New Jersey Transit, but it was evident that the driver lacked the necessary experience to navigate the road safely. Thankfully, there were no passengers aboard during the mishap, averting a potential tragedy.
The crash site at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Fort Lee Road revealed the aftermath of the accident, with the bus having plowed into the corner of a building occupied by Kitchens and Stone of Leonia. Despite the impact, the business remains operational, although a call to the company went unanswered, with only a recorded message playing.
The bus narrowly avoided hitting a nearby bus stop and missed Frank Aiello, a crossing guard stationed at the corner. Aiello, who witnessed the incident, recounted the sequence of events, noting that the driver failed to straighten the wheel after making a right turn, leading to the bus jumping curbs and ultimately crashing into the building.
Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene, assessing the condition of the two individuals on the bus. Fortunately, both were unharmed, though the incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of proper training for drivers.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on understanding the sequence of events that led to the crash, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that such incidents do not recur. The community remains on alert, hoping for swift action to prevent future accidents.
The crash has sparked discussions about the training and supervision of student drivers, especially in densely populated areas where the risk of accidents is heightened. This incident underscores the need for rigorous safety measures to protect both drivers and the public.
In the meantime, the local community remains vigilant, with residents and officials alike calling for increased oversight and enhanced safety protocols for drivers in training.