A routine Monday morning school run in Mashpee turned frightening when a bus carrying elementary students hit a tree after the driver appeared to suffer a medical episode, officials said. The driver and one student were taken to hospitals for evaluation, while other children were checked at the scene.
The crash happened shortly after 8:30 a.m. in the area of Old Barnstable Road and Leather Leaf Lane as the bus was transporting students to Quashnet Intermediate School and Kenneth C. Coombs School, according to NBC Boston. Emergency personnel evaluated all students on board, and officials said the injuries to the driver and the student taken to the hospital were not considered serious. The crash remains under investigation, with accident reconstruction being led by Mashpee police.
“We are very thankful that no one was seriously injured,” Superintendent Michele Conners said in a statement, according to NBC Boston. The district said school counselors and support staff were being made available to students who might need to speak with someone.
How Families Were Handled
Officials said students who were cleared at the scene were released to family members or neighbors with parental permission. Families with questions can find district contact details and transportation information on the Mashpee Public Schools website, according to Mashpee Public Schools.
Investigation Continues
The district said it is coordinating with emergency responders and offering support to affected families. Police said they will release more information as the investigation continues.
