Massachusetts

19 Hurt in Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving School Bus in Salem, New Hampshire

"We stopped and somebody crashed into us and then I bumped my head into both seats, front and the back," said one 7-year-old

At least 19 people, many of them children, were injured in a crash involving a school bus and at least two other vehicles in Salem, New Hampshire, on Thursday morning.

The crash happened near the intersection of North Broadway and Lake Street.

"Everybody was screaming and a lot of people were crying," said 8-year-old Jeylani Torres of Lawrence, Massachusetts. 

The school bus was carrying 43 students and staff from Little Sprouts, an early education and child care facility in Lawrence. They were on a field trip to go bowling, and the children on the bus ranged in age from 7 to 12.

"We stopped and somebody crashed into us and then I bumped my head into both seats, front and the back," 7-year-old Jenayalize Santana of Lawrence said.

Photos tweeted out by Salem police showed at least three vehicles were involved in the crash, including a school bus, a dump truck and a pickup truck that sustained significant damage.

At least 16 children and three adults were taken to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

It was a scary time for parents as they raced to the hospital to make sure their kids were alright.

"My heart started racing because you don't know until you see your kid and then obviously when I saw she was OK, you know, I was relieved," said parent Trin Cruz.

Little Sprouts released a statement saying they are "sincerely grateful to all of the first responders, local authorities, and members of our staff who swiftly and compassionately attended to the children and their safety."

"The safety and wellness of every child in our care is always our greatest priority. I'm very proud of how our team collaborated with local authorities to put the children’s needs first. Now, our primary focus is to surround the children, families, and staff who were involved in today’s accident with love," Little Sprouts Chief Executive Officer Sarah Schroeder said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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