A school bus transporting students from Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School collided with another vehicle on a busy Massachusetts road early Tuesday morning. The accident occurred around 7 a.m. on Upton Street, also known as Route 140, near Brown Road in Grafton. Although none of the 14 high school students aboard the bus were injured, the driver of the car sustained serious injuries, while the bus driver suffered minor injuries. Emergency services promptly responded to the scene, assessing and clearing the students before they were transported to school via an alternative bus. The incident has sparked an ongoing investigation into the cause of the collision.

Swift Response Ensures Student Safety

The swift actions taken by emergency personnel ensured that all students remained unharmed following the collision. Superintendent Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick reported that the car involved entered the travel lane of the bus, leading to the crash. Despite the sudden nature of the event, immediate medical attention was provided to everyone at the scene. Students were evaluated by healthcare professionals and then safely transferred to school using a second bus. Community members like Shabakka Herring played a crucial role in providing immediate assistance, ensuring that both drivers and students received necessary support.

Dr. Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of the quick response, stating that it significantly contributed to the safety of the students. He added that although the exact circumstances leading to the collision are still under investigation, the priority was to ensure the well-being of everyone involved. The presence of bystanders who stopped to help created a supportive environment during a chaotic moment. Their actions exemplified community solidarity in times of crisis.

Traffic Disruption and Ongoing Investigation

The collision resulted in significant traffic disruption as Route 140 was closed for several hours. Accident reconstruction experts were called to the scene to investigate the incident thoroughly. This closure affected local traffic flow, requiring travelers to seek alternate routes. The thorough examination aims to determine the precise cause of the collision and any contributing factors. The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the seriousness of the investigation.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves a wide area, including towns such as Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. The school's administration remains committed to ensuring student safety and will continue to cooperate fully with authorities during the investigation. The community's response to this incident highlights the resilience and unity in the face of unexpected challenges, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and collective effort.