Students hospitalized after school bus, car collide

Some students aboard a Gloucester Township Schools bus had to be hospitalized. Watch video

GLOUCESTER TWP. -- Some students aboard a Gloucester Township Schools bus had to be taken out in stretchers following a collision with another vehicle during the Friday morning commute to school.

The accident, which occurred along Sicklerville Road near the Bryce's Court intersection in front of Village Green Lane, was reported shortly before 8:20 a.m. The bus, which was still filled with at least 20 students more than 40 minutes later, was destined for Ann A. Mullen Middle School, which is only a few blocks from the scene.

Gloucester Township Police Department Sgt. Bryan Bonawitz said the injuries students aboard the bus sustained appear to be minor. Additional information was expected to be released later Friday.

Kemet Uhuru, whose 12-year-old son Rashad was sitting toward the front of the school bus, was not injured during the crash. Uhuru said his son sent him a text message letting him know about the crash and that the majority of those injured were in the back of the bus.

The blue Hyundai Tucson involved in the crash sustained major front-end damage, with its engine department crushed and hood curled back toward the windshield. A neighbor who lives across the street said minors were aboard the Hyundai as well, adding that they were transported from the scene first.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. At least two students required back braces as a result. Others were transported to Kennedy University Hospital or strapped to stretchers after being taken off the bus.

A school administrator declined comment, but said parents had been notified of the accident. The middle school's principal also arrived at the scene. A nurse later went aboard the bus to check on any minor symptoms, with additional check-ups expected to be conducted later in the day at school.

Jessica Beym contributed to this report.