Berkeley Township Schools Bus Driver Charged With Careless Driving After Crash

A Berkeley Township Schools bus driver was charged with careless driving after she collided with a Dodge Caravan earlier this week, leaving three people injured, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

Michelle Hough, Harley Boulevard, was attempting to make a left turn south onto Eastern Boulevard at 7 a.m. when the school bus struck the minivan. Three people in the minivan were injured, the chief said.

Holly Carpenter, Lexington Boulevard, Barnegat, a passenger in the minivan, suffered significant head and knee injuries. Michael Fisher, Lexington Boulevard, Barnegat, had a minor cut to his hand. Cory Witzig, Windward Drive, Barnegat, a second passenger in the minivan, suffered a minor head injury. Witzig admitted he was not wearing a seatbelt and was given a summons for failure to wear a seatbelt, DiMichele said.

Berkeley Township First Aid and Bayville First Aid squad members transported the minivan occupants to Community Medical Center for their injuries, the chief said.

Hough and the three children in the school bus were uninjured, she said.

Multiple witnesses reported that the school bus made a left turn in front of the minivan, which caused the crash. Hough told police she did not see the oncoming minivan. The minivan and school bus had to be towed from the crash scene, the chief said.

There were no signs of intoxication from either driver, DiMichele said.

Sgt. Wray, Sgt. Woermer, Ptl. Houghkirk and Chief DiMichele responded to the scene.