Brighton, N.Y. - Two of the four victims in Tuesday’s school bus crash have been discharged from the hospital.
John Zakhary and Kevin Thapa, both juniors at Brighton High School, were released.
Christa Mickol, a freshman at Brighton High School and Scott Collins, a junior, remain in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.
The students on the bus, from the Council Rock Elementary School, were not hurt and neither was the bus driver.
Police say the bus was traveling at a low rate of speed around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on Warren Avenue when the sedan carrying four students crashed into the back of it, becoming wedged under the tires.
Firefighters had to pry the students from the mangled car. At this point, it's not clear if the students were going too fast. That's part of the investigation that continues today.
“It was bound to happen at some point,” said neighbor Jeff Spero. “It’s because of the way people drive--it was a cut-through street."
“I’m pretty shocked,” said one victim’s friend Jack Mayer. “I don't know—it’s hard to react to this."
Investigators are looking at the car’s speed, and the legality of the situation in the context of state laws about drivers under the age of 18 and the number of passengers allowed in the car. The ages of the students weren't released by police.
In a statement Wednesday, the superintendent of Brighton Schools says the district has activated its crisis response teams and is closely monitoring the needs of anyone who needs additional assistance.
“We are grateful for the incredible work of Brighton’s and the mutual aid emergency responders, medical professionals, and school staff,” said Dr. Kevin McGowan. ”Their care, compassion, and calm application of expert training helped our students yesterday and keep us safe each day. The Brighton Central School District and greater Brighton community are fortunate to have each other for support and care. Let our attention and best wishes be focused on the speedy and full recovery of our students.”
