Pickup Truck Rear-Ends Brick School Bus Carrying 36 Students

BRICK, NJ — Authorities are investigating a crash Thursday morning where a Brick Township school bus was hit from behind by a pickup truck on Cherry Quay Road.

The bus was carrying 36 students to Drum Point Elementary School, a district official said. Every student on the bus was evaluated at the scene by Brick Township EMS, the official said, who said Drum Point Principal Andrea Caldes also went to the scene.

Some students were released to their parents — after confirmation that they were the parents, the official said.

Other students were transferred to another bus and taken to school, the official said.

The crash was reported at 8:21 a.m., Brick Township police said, and the investigation showed the driver of a pickup truck was following the bus too closely and rear-ended it.

Police did not say whether the bus was stopping to pick up students or stopping for another reason.

A photo from the crash scene tweeted by the Lakewood Scoop shows a Dodge Ram against the back of the bus.

Police said there were minor injuries but did not say whether the pickup truck driver was alone or had a passenger or passengers.

Brick Township police, EMTs and the administration and transportation department of the Brick Township Schools "worked together to ensure the safe discharge of the students to their parents who were at the scene and to release the remaining students who were then safely transported to the school," the police department said.

"The event serves as a critical reminder for all drivers to adhere to posted speed limits and exercise the utmost caution during school hours, when buses frequently stop to pick up or drop off students," police said. "The Brick Township Police Department urges residents to prioritize safety on our roads."

The investigation into the crash is continuing, police said.