What there is to know
- Nassau County authorities said the crash happened around 4 p.m. near Meadowbrook Elementary School in East Meadow.
- The local fire department said 40 students between the ages of 5 and 11 were on board at the time, 20 of whom had to be taken to hospital.
- All injuries related to the accident were minor, including the driver of the van who had to be pulled from his crashed truck, authorities said.
NEW YORK — A school bus carrying students on Long Island collided with a van, injuring nearly two dozen students on board and sending the children to a nearby hospital, authorities said.
Nassau County authorities said the crash happened around 4 p.m. near Meadowbrook Elementary School in East Meadow. The local fire department said 40 students between the ages of 5 and 11 were on board at the time, 20 of whom had to be taken to hospital.
All injuries related to the accident were minor, including to the driver of the van who had to be pulled from his crashed truck, authorities said.
According to Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, the blue van crashed into the bus as it turned left from a school parking lot around the time of the dismissal. The school bus driver was also hospitalized with minor injuries.
It is unclear what led to the accident, although Ryder said speeding and distracted driving were considered possible causes. Alcohol is not thought to have played a role.
An investigation is underway.