Manchester School Bus Driver Injured In Crash

MANCHESTER, NJ — One person was injured Tuesday in a crash involving a school bus on Commonwealth Boulevard in Manchester, police said.

Caroline Tompkins, 28, of Manchester, was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River for a medical evaluation after the crash, which happened at the intersection with Beacon Street about 8 a.m. Tuesday, Manchester Capt. Vincent Manco said.

Talia Cotto, 18, who was driving a 2010 Dodge Caliber, turned left from Beacon Street onto Commonwealth Boulevard into the path of the school bus, which was westbound on Commonwealth, Manco said.

There were no students on the bus at the time, he said.

Both vehicles sustained significant damage and were towed from the scene by Priced Rite towing, Manco said.

Cotto was determined to be at fault in the crash and was issued a ticket for careless driving, he said.

Patrolman Anthony Iliadis is investigating.

Also assisting at the scene were EMTs and career firefighters from the Manchester Division of Emergency Services along with members of the Ridgeway and Manchester Volunteer Fire Departments.