Seventh Graders Helped Stop Attack On Holy Cross School Bus: School Officials

Philadelphia Police said they received no reports or information regarding an attack on a Holy Cross School bus that occurred Monday in West Oak Lane.

But Holy Cross Principal Emily Diefendorf confirmed the bus was attacked by many teens Monday afternoon.

Diefendorf said there were so serious injuries when the students and bus driver were attacked by what she said was a group of 50 or 60 teens.

The fact that only minor injuries were sustained is attributable to two seventh grade students, Diefendorf said.

"The attackers were coming in through the back of the bus, the emergency exit, which has to be unlock," Diefendorf said. "Two very heroic students blocked the door and told the younger students to get away from the windows."

Diefendorf said those two students were honored with a celebratory breakfast Friday morning.

"It was a shame it happened," Diefendorf said of the incident. "But we have great students and great families."

Diefendorf said the school's bus route has changed since the attack to help prevent another incident such as Monday's. Diefendorf also said the school is entertaining the idea of placing a monitor of buses to ramp up student and driver safety, as well a taking the burden of maintaining order on a bus off the driver.

Diefendorf said police reports were filed, but Philadelphia police said when officers arrived there was no attack happening, save for two girls fighting, one of which was arrested for simple assault.

Police said they were unable to get information when attempting to verify reports of the bus attack.

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