School Bus Trapped in Metro North Crossing, Driver Arrested by New Castle Police

A school bus driver who got stuck inside a grade crossing this morning was arrested by New Castle police.

Police said that Officer Brian Bruno was conducting traffic observation at the rail road crossing today when he observed a school mini-bus drive up to and come to a stop at the edge of the train tracks.

The crossing gate activated and came down on top of the school bus. The driver attempted to back up, but stopped when the crossing gate became stuck on brackets protruding from the body of the bus. The bus was under the gate with its front end beyond the gate and inside the railroad right of way as a commuter train passed.

The incident occurred at 7:52 AM at the Metro North Rail Road Crossing at Roaring Brook Road in Chappaqua. No collision or injuries occurred.

In addition to the driver, there were two students and a bus monitor aboard the bus at the time. The school bus is owned and operated by Mar Can Transportation of Mount Vernon, NY.

Nancy Peralta of the Bronx was charged with stopping a school bus in a railroad right of way while a train was transiting the railroad crossing.

Peralta was released on an appearance ticket and is due in New Castle Court May 28.

The New Castle Police Department is committed to raising the level of safety at the Roaring Brook railroad crossing. This is being accomplished by assigning additional patrols which specifically target dangerous and unlawful driving at the crossing.

New Castle Police ask all motorists to exercise due care when approaching and crossing any railroad crossing.