Driver Injured As School Bus Hits Tree In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — A bus driver was seriously injured Tuesday morning when a school bus went off the road and hit a tree in Howell, police said.

The 52-year-old driver, a resident of the Elberon section of Long Branch, suffered unspecified serious injuries in the crash, which happened shortly after 10 a.m. near 909 Lakewood-Farmingdale Road, Howell police said.

There were no students on the bus at the time, and the driver was the only person on board, police said.

The driver, who was not further identified, was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said. They did not say whether the bus belongs to the Howell Township School District or a private bus company.

Howell police are still investigating why the bus, a 2024 International IC school bus, ran off the road. Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have information is asked to call Patrolman Michael Silvani of the Traffic Safety unit at 732-938-4575, ext 2651.

Also responding to the crash were Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad 1, Ramtown Fire Company, Hatzolah First Aid and Robert Wood Johnson paramedics.