The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently released a preliminary report detailing a tragic school bus accident in Gibbstown, New Jersey. This incident resulted in the death of a 7-year-old boy named Hunter Smith.
Timeline of the Incident
The accident occurred at approximately 3:38 p.m. on May 8. Hunter Smith was attempting to cross the street at the intersection of Bennett Avenue and Ashton Drive when the incident took place.
Details of the Crash
On that day, Hunter was on a school bus operated by Holcomb Bus Services. The bus was carrying 28 students from Broad Street Elementary School, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade. The driver, a 48-year-old woman, had been with the company since 2024 and reportedly had no prior issues.
Sequence of Events
According to the NTSB report, the bus stopped south of the intersection to discharge students. After getting off, Hunter and a 10-year-old girl walked toward the corner of the intersection. They paused before beginning to cross Ashton Drive.
During this time, the bus began to move again. The report states, “As the two students began to cross Ashton Drive, the bus moved forward from its stopped position and made a right turn onto Ashton Drive.” Unfortunately, this maneuver resulted in the bus striking Hunter Smith.
Immediate Aftermath
Neighbors and emergency responders quickly performed CPR on Hunter before he was taken to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported from the incident.
Company’s Response
Holcomb Bus Services announced that it would conduct an internal review following the incident. The company expressed its condolences and emphasized the importance of student safety.
Conclusion
This tragic accident has raised concerns about school bus safety in Gibbstown. The NTSB’s investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of young Hunter Smith.
