Special Needs Bus Crashes Into Water In North Reading

NORTH READING, MA — A van carrying special needs individuals crashed on Park Street Tuesday morning and rolled into a ravine a short distance from the Ipswich River Park. At least five ambulances were requested and seven people were sent to the hospital. No serious injuries were reported.

At 10:22 a.m., North Reading Police and Fire were dispatched to the area of 209 Park St. for a report of a crash. Upon arrival, first responders located a 2017 Dodge Caravan overturned in a cement culvert in conservation land alongside the road. The vehicle came to rest on its roof in 3-4 inches of water.

The seven occupants - six passengers and a male operator - were freed from the van and all were subsequently transported to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

"This was a serious crash but fortunately not a tragic one," Police Chief Michael Murphy said, "Two residents who saw the crash wasted no time in acting to help the passengers inside the van, and I want to thank them for the important role they played in helping emergency personnel bring everyone to safety."

A preliminary investigation indicates that the van was travelling east on Park Street (Route 62) when it left the roadway and struck a guard rail, causing it to roll over and ultimately come to rest in the culvert. Two witnesses to the crash supported the work of first responders at the scene prior to the first crews' arrival.

"I want to express my gratitude to our firefighters and police officers for their measured, professional response to a hectic scene, as well as to the bystanders who selflessly contributed to the effort to extricate the individuals inside the vehicle," Fire Chief Don Stats said.

The full extent of the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. That section of Park Street has a 35 mph speed limit.

Bob Holmes reported from the site.